The enforcement officers are serving at maritime entry and exit checkpoints at the Pasir Gudang, Muar and Melaka ferry terminals, said a source.

The suspects – 10 men and two women in their 20s to 50s – were arrested at several locations in Johor and Penang yesterday.

“An initial investigation shows that the enforcement officers are believed to have received more than RM490,000 in bribes from agents and runners, who were also detained during the operation.

“They are suspected of working with a syndicate that brought in foreign nationals through ‘counter setting’ at the sea entry points from 2024 until early 2025,” the source said.

Counter setting involves selected travellers being allowed through immigration inspection without undergoing proper procedures.

MACC also seized various assets, including about RM50,000 in cash, foreign currency amounting to 71,000,000 rupiah, an SUV worth about RM115,000, and a motorcycle valued at about RM30,000.

MACC has also applied to freeze 25 bank accounts with a total amount of RM1.2 million belonging to the suspects.

Johor MACC director Hairuzam Amin @ Hamim confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated under Sections 17(a) and 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 for requesting and receiving gratification.