The councillor was arrested by Anti-Corruption Agency officers on Friday, reported local media yesterday. He was released on bail yesterday.

According to wire agency Bernama, he is a senior Johor Malaysian Indian Congress leader.

The Singaporean was not named, but The Star newspaper said that she ran a kindergarten and was slapped with a notice to cease operations after residents complained of traffic jams.

She is said to have sought the help of the councillor, who asked for several thousand ringgit to help 'settle the matter'. Despite paying the bribe, the businesswoman was fined heavily, and proceeded to lodge a report against the city councillor.