Two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) members were remanded in Alor Setar for seven days beginning today to assist in the investigation on allegations that they received monthly bribes from fishermen in Kuala Kedah for the past three years.

The remand order on the two suspects, both aged 44 years and ranked Bintara Muda Maritim, was issued by the Alor Setar Court principal assistant registrar Noor Lyana Rahim.

It was learnt that the suspects asked for and received monthly cash bribes worth between RM200 and RM2,000 from fishermen and boat owners in return for not taking action for incursion offences in fishing areas.

They were detained at the MMEA Alor Setar office yesterday.

Kedah MMEA director Shaharom Nizam Manap confirmed the matter, but declined further comment.

The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MMEA Act 2009.

- Bernama