MACC: 21 vegetable farmers detained in Cameron Highlands

KUALA LUMPUR: A 42-year-old Bangladeshi who had been staying in Malaysia for 10 years, has interest in a company worth RM500,000 and drives a brand new Toyota Camry was among 21 vegetable farmers detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Cameron Highlands recently.
According to MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull the 21 farmers were detained during an operation by the MACC and National Security Council named "Ops Sejuk" which was conducted over two days.
"The farmers were detained after they tried to bribe enforcement officers. We had earlier monitored their illegal farming activities before approaching them.
"Among the offences committed were overstaying, offering protection to illegals and storing unscheduled poisons," he said, adding the operation was conducted from June 30.
The suspects were detained from farms in Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Tringkap, Brinchang, Kampung Raja, Kuala Teriah and Kampar.
They were all aged between 20 and 68 years old and were later released on RM5,000 bail with a guarantor. They face charges under Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009 for attempting to bribe the enforcement officers.
"The farmers have been conducting their illegal activities over a 41 ha plot and had earlier paid bribes up to RM30,000," said Mohd Shukri.
He said MACC would only be investigating the corruption offences while the other offences would be handled by the relevant agencies.
"These activities have been going on since last year and stern action must be taken by the enforcement authorities responsible. Such activities should not just be left unchecked," he added.