Bangladesh nationals were among 21 individuals arrested by the state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly paying bribes and attempting to offer bribe to authorities in connection with illegal vegetable farms in Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

The Bangladeshi nationals had allegedly invested RM500,000 in one of the vegetable farms in Cameron Highlands.

The arrests by MACC was the result of a surveillance conducted by the National Security Council (MKN) in Cameron Highland which led to the discovery of continuous illegal farming.

The surveillance also showed that several farm operators had attempted to pay bribery to some authorities to conceal their offence and to avoid penalties.

“A 42 year-old Bangladeshi who was arrested has been residing in this country for 10 years and can owns a brand new Toyota Camry.

"The authorities learned that that the suspects attempted bribery to avoid action being taken on various offences,” said MACC Deputy Commissioner (Operation) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull in a statement today.

Among the offences were illegal land exploration, violation of the Temporary Occupation Licence (LPS), protecting illegal immigrants and storing of unscheduled poisons.

All the 21 individuals arrested are aged between 20 and 68.

The operation has resulted in arrests made in several areas around Cameron Highlands beginning June 30.

Nine individuals were arrested in Ringlet, six in Kampung Raja and five others from Tanah Rata, Tringkap, Kuala Terlah and Kampar.

“Farmers who had worked in the 41-hectare areas had forked out money for the bribe amounting to RM30,000,” said Mohd Shukri.

All those arrested were released on a bail of RM5,000 each with one suerity.

Mohd Shukri stressed that MACC investigations were only conducted for bribery offences.

“This issue has been happening rampantly for the last five years and stern action had been taken by the authorities to avoid illegal explorations

“Explorations by illegal immigrants are under the jurisdiction of relevant authorities,” he added.

He hopes that follow-up action would be taken by the respective authorities involved including stern enforcements linked to Poisons Act and illegal immigrants.