SEREMBAN, MALAYSIA: Civil servants in the state have been reminded not to accept expensive gifts, including hampers and "ang-pows", from companies or individuals during the festive season as it could also be considered a form of bribery.State Anti-Corruption Agency director Roszaini Abu said accepting any gifts, whether for themselves or their families, from any party which may have a relation to their scope of work would be against the law.

He also advised companies which had any dealings with government departments not to give gifts or other valuable items to the officers.

"Giving such gifts could give rise to some kind of obligation on the part of the civil servant and action can be taken against both parties concerned," he said.

"I advise all civil servants, companies and individuals to abide by these guidelines and stay clear of breaching the law."

New Straits Times/Asia News Network