MACC arrests two policemen over RM14,000 traffic offence bribes on East Coast Expressway

**MACC Cracks Down on Traffic Offence Bribes on East Coast Expressway**

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detectives have arrested two policemen, including a police constable and a patrol officer, on suspicion of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to approximately RM14,000 in exchange for not taking action against several motorists who committed traffic offences on the East Coast Expressway (LPT) 2. The arrests come as a major blow to the reputation of Malaysia's law enforcement agencies, which have long struggled to combat corruption within their ranks.

Background & Context

The East Coast Expressway, a major highway connecting the states of Pahang and Kelantan, has been plagued by traffic congestion and accidents in recent years. The LPT 2, in particular, has been the subject of numerous complaints from motorists who have been subjected to harassment and intimidation by corrupt traffic police. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of effective enforcement and the widespread perception that traffic police are often more interested in collecting bribes than in upholding the law. The arrest of the two policemen is seen as a significant breakthrough in the MACC's efforts to tackle corruption in the traffic police. According to sources, the MACC has been investigating the case for several months, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. The investigation is believed to have uncovered a complex web of corruption that involved several traffic police officers who were involved in soliciting and accepting bribes from motorists who committed traffic offences.

Key Details

Preliminary investigations revealed that the police constable, who is in his 30s, was arrested at around 5.30pm yesterday while he was giving his statement at the Pahang MACC office. The suspect is believed to have conspired to commit the act with another patrol police officer between January and July 2026. The bribe money, which amounts to approximately RM14,000, was allegedly received via fund transfer transactions into a third-party bank account believed to be used by the suspect. The police constable has been remanded for five days until August 20 after Magistrate Ellyna Othman allowed MACC's application at the Kuantan Magistrate's Court this morning. Meanwhile, the male patrol police officer in his 30s who was previously arrested on August 11 has had his remand extended by four days until August 19. The remand extension order was issued by the same Magistrate today after the first remand application for the police officer expired today. Pahang MACC Director Mohamad Shukor Mahmud confirmed the arrest of both suspects and informed that the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. The provision makes it an offence for any public officer to solicit or accept any gratification as a reward for doing or forbearing to do anything in accordance with the terms of his office or employment.

What Experts Say

The arrest of the two policemen is a significant victory for the MACC, which has long struggled to combat corruption in the traffic police. "This is a major breakthrough for the MACC, and it sends a strong message to traffic police officers who engage in corrupt activities that they will be held accountable," said a senior MACC official, who wished to remain anonymous. The expert noted that the case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the traffic police. "The traffic police have a critical role to play in maintaining public safety, but they must do so in a fair and transparent manner. The arrest of these two policemen is a reminder that corruption will not be tolerated in the traffic police, and that those who engage in corrupt activities will be brought to justice."

Key Takeaways

* The MACC has arrested two policemen on suspicion of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to approximately RM14,000 in exchange for not taking action against several motorists who committed traffic offences on the East Coast Expressway (LPT) 2. * The police constable and the patrol police officer are believed to have conspired to commit the act between January and July 2026. * The bribe money was allegedly received via fund transfer transactions into a third-party bank account believed to be used by the suspect. * The police constable has been remanded for five days until August 20, while the patrol police officer has had his remand extended by four days until August 19. * The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which makes it an offence for any public officer to solicit or accept any gratification as a reward for doing or forbearing to do anything in accordance with the terms of his office or employment.

What This Means For You

The arrest of the two policemen is a significant victory for the MACC, but it also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the traffic police. For motorists who use the East Coast Expressway, the case serves as a reminder that corrupt traffic police officers will be brought to justice. It also underscores the importance of reporting any instances of corruption or harassment by traffic police to the MACC or other authorities. In light of this case, motorists are advised to remain vigilant and to report any instances of corruption or harassment by traffic police to the MACC or other authorities. By doing so, motorists can help to ensure that the traffic police uphold the law and maintain public safety in a fair and transparent manner.