MALACCA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer, sought for alleged abuse of his wife, did not have a previous criminal record prior to joining the anti-graft body.

“If he had a previous record, he would not have been accepted into MACC,” said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Khalid described the suspect as a ‘problematic officer’, with several reports lodged against him over the alleged physical abuse and drug use.

“We have opened investigations under the Dangerous Drugs Act (1952), Section 506 of the Penal Code (for criminal intimidation) and Domestic Violence (Act 1994) after receiving three reports against him,” he said.

Khalid said the man had been absent from duty for three months.

The IGP was speaking to reporters at the closing ceremony of the Royal Malaysian Police Innovation Day here, today.

Khalid said the suspect went into hiding after learning that his wife lodged a police report against him.

He added that his wife, however, had retracted one of the reports.

Yesterday, MACC said the commission would open a disciplinary investigation paper against the officer for allegedly abusing his wife.

The incident went viral on social media when the suspect’s wife, posted several photographs of her receiving medical treatment after being physically abused.

The post caught the attention of netizens who expressed anger over the man’s behaviour.

Meanwhile, on the Malaysia Cup final between Kedah and Selangor this Sunday, Khalid said police have enough personnel to ensure fans remain orderly during the football match.

“We are always prepared. Do not be worried. Police are always ready to face any eventualities,” he said.

He reminded football fans to support their teams in a decent manner. More than 70,000 football fans are expected to flood the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.-nst