“Based on the intelligence we have, the suspects are believed to have received bribes of between RM300 and RM10,000 from massage parlours that are operating illegally,” the anti-graft body said in a statement.

MACC said the suspects had abused their power by failing to act against the owners of the illegal businesses that also employed illegal workers.

The illegal premises were also lacking in fire safety measures as required by the law.

“Investigations reveal that the suspects had closed an eye to the vice taking place in such parlours,” it said, adding that this “protection” from the authorities had emboldened the owners to run their businesses illegally.

MACC Investigations director Simi Abd Ghani said the cases would be investigated under Sections 16(a)(B) and 17(a) of the MACC Act.

“We will be taking the 12 suspects to the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court tomorrow to apply for a remand,” he said.