Malaysian football needs to work harder to ensure the integrity of the sport, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the government agency in charge of investigating and prosecuting dishonest practices in the game.
"Corruption involving local footballers is still prevalent in the country," said MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Azam Baki.
"We are still encountering cases involving corruption among footballers, but it is not so easy to prosecute someone without any concrete evidence.
"But I can tell you that bookies out there are always looking for opportunities to get in touch with the players, and trying to get them on the take. The present situation is not at a worrying level, and we are trying to ensure that it does worsen."
One of the most recent high-profile corruption cases involved 22 Kuala Lumpur players, who were found guilty of match-fixing in 2013.
Five players and three officials were handed life bans, while 17 others were fined RM5,000 for their involvement.
This season, second-tier Premier League side MISC-MIFA were also investigated by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) integrity department after their coach Jacob Joseph alleged his players were "dishonest" when they lost 7-2 at home to UiTM FC on March 3.
"A lot of organisations sometimes try to cover up cases involving corruption, which is detrimental. But on MACC's side, we will investigate anyone who is suspected of corruption, be it the bookies, officials or players," Datuk Azam Baki said.
On the national front, new Malaysia head coach Mario Gomez has confirmed that his former Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) foursome of Safiq Rahim, S. Kunanlan, Amirulhadi Zainal and Aidil Zafuan will return to don national colours after their abrupt retirements last June.
"They provided invaluable contributions and services to the country before deciding to retire from international football," said Gomez via FAM's official website. "With my knowledge on playing tactics of some of the players, there will be a new playing style for the national team."
The Argentine manager's first major assignment will come at the rescheduled AFC Asian Cup Group B qualifier against North Korea on June 8.
Datuk Ong Kim Swee, who will be moved to the U23 side in the wake of Gomez's arrival, flew to Lebanon earlier in the week to analyse the Lebanon vs. Hong Kong match, Malaysia's two other opponents in the group.
Ong will present his findings to Gomez in one of his last acts as senior team coach before he starts work with Malaysia's development side.