The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into a husband and wife, both in their 40s and employed by the Immigration Department, accused of amassing approximately RM900,000 in bribes between 2020 and 2024. According to MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, the couple allegedly used RM600,000 of these illicit funds to establish a goldsmith shop, registered under family members’ names as proxies, and purchased a luxury car.
The couple is suspected of expediting work permit approvals for undocumented foreign workers under the labour recalibration programme, which enables employers to secure valid permits for such workers. Employers reportedly paid RM700 per worker to reduce the document verification process from seven days to three. The bribes, paid in cash, were distributed among other officers handling the files, with the couple personally pocketing RM150 per worker.
A raid on a jewellery shop in Pahang uncovered approximately 3kg of gold, valued at RM1.4 million, linked to the couple’s activities, MACC stated.
The suspects have been remanded for five days to assist with the ongoing investigation, as authorities probe the full extent of their alleged corruption.
