The Penang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied a news report that its officers had surrounded the Ayer Itam police station in Georgetown before arresting five police officers in an operation early this morning.

"No such thing happened," Penang MACC director M Samarajoo told Malaysiakini today.

Malay daily Harian Metro earlier today reported that MACC officers had "surrounded" the police station before proceeding to arrest five individuals at the police station at about 3am.

Samarajoo, meanwhile, said the five arrested under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes, were one corporal, three lance-corporals and one constable.

"All the suspects were arrested for soliciting and accepting bribes from the complainant.

"They were released on bail after their statements were recorded. I urge all parties to cooperate and report any acts of bribery by any parties," Samarajoo said.

He, however, did not elaborate further on the arrests.

Penang police chief Abdul Ghafar Rajab had reportedly confirmed the arrest of the policemen by MACC.