The man has also been transferred out of his current position, the state secretary, Safar Untong, said in a statement today.

The 51-year-old man, who is based in Keningau, was arrested at a hotel there at 3.30pm yesterday.

It is believed that the sexual favours were for the suspect to support the woman’s application for a loan in the agriculture sector.

Sabah MACC director S Karunanithy confirmed the arrest when contacted today.

He said the suspect was detained for 24 hours before being released on a RM10,000 bail.

Safar, quoted by Bernama, said the state government viewed allegations of bribery and sexual misconduct very seriously and placed great emphasis on the integrity and conduct of the state’s civil servants.

Appropriate legal action would be taken immediately against the officer involved, he said. The state’s Public Service Department would give MACC its full cooperation.