BINTULU: Full cooperation has been pledged by the Malaysia Prison Department following the remand of 11 prison enforcement officers over an alleged RM239,000 bribery case involving inmates at Bintulu Prison.
Addressing the case, the department said it viewed the allegations with utmost seriousness and would work closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak to assist the investigation.
“We respect the investigation process and would take further action at the departmental level, based on the outcome of investigations and relevant laws.
“It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism and governance, stressing that it would not compromise on any form of misconduct,” the department said.
Members of the public are urged not to speculate on the case so as not to disrupt the probe.
Yesterday (Feb 3), 11 men were remanded to facilitate investigations into allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes totalling RM239,000 in exchange for providing protection, refraining from intimidation and assisting the affairs of several inmates.
Magistrate Kasyfurrahman Abang Ahmad granted a four-day remand until Feb 6 for six suspects, while four others were remanded for five days until Feb 7.
Another suspect was remanded for three days until Feb 5 following an application by MACC at the Bintulu Magistrate’s Court.
Sources said all the suspects, aged between their 20s and 40s, were arrested after attending the MACC Bintulu office to record statements.
Preliminary investigations indicate the alleged offences occurred between 2020 and 2025, with bribes believed to have been solicited from inmates’ family members.
Amounts ranging from RM2,400 to RM45,000 were allegedly received through bank transfers into accounts belonging to the suspects’ wives and intermediaries.
MACC Sarawak director Datuk Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh confirmed the arrests, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009.
