MACC raids 9 more companies
Statements of 8 individuals also recorded
GRAFT-busters record statements from 8 individuals as probe intensifies
NINE more companies were raided in Penang and Kuala Lumpur yesterday in connection with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into the proposed Penang undersea tunnel project.
MACC also recorded statements from eight people, including company secretaries, advisers and consultants.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed the raids, but did not elaborate further.
A source said investigators had narrowed down their investigations to the RM305 million payment to companies appointed to carry out studies for the Penang government.
The source said investigators had recorded statements from witnesses in the companies concerned to get a clearer picture of the payment process.
“By poring over the documents seized in the course of investigation, we believe it will help us to identify whether the payment of RM305 million is the actual amount or has been increased.
“Investigators are also probing if the companies appointed to carry out the studies have the necessary credentials.
“Investigators are also establishing whether experts appointed to carry out the studies have the necessary expertise, irrespective of whether they are from the government or private companies,” the source noted.
It is learnt that the government had set standards for those carrying out studies, including feasibility studies for the undersea tunnel project.
Azam said they were looking into payment to the companies appointed to carry out the studies. He added that as it involved technical aspects, investigators needed more time to investigate the matter.
“As such, we appreciate if we are given the space and chance to carry out investigations to the best of our ability. We are still recording statements from important witnesses, whom we believe can assist in our investigations.
“We will be calling several key figures soon to have their statements recorded,” he added.