MACC confirms investigation on purchase of hotel by Felda Investment Corporation

KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MA CC) has confirmed that it is now investigating the purchase of a four- star hotel in the city by Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC).

A statement issued by MACC from Putrajaya said its chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkif li Ahmad had given the directive to open investigation papers on the purchase of the hotel allegedly bought by FIC at an inflated price in 2014.

It also mentioned that investigation teams were sent to six locations in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to garner information on the hotel purchase.

The statement explained that the move was made following information received by its investigators when probing a previous case i nvolving the purchase of a hotel in London.

“MACC also seized related documents believed to contain informat ion regarding the purchase of the hotel, and we look into details to establish whether there is element of corruption and abuse of power.

“Based on information gathered from initial investigations, it is believed that FIC had purchased the hotel at a price higher than market value, which resulted in FIC losing hundreds of millions of ringgit,” said the statement.

MACC will call in some key witnesses soon to record their statement and to gain solid proof and information before taking further action.

Meanwhile, MACC Investigation Division director Datuk Simi Abd Ghani confirmed that three teams from its headquarters from Putrajaya raided three offices here yesterday morning, as part of an investigation into the purchase of the hotel.

The three offices located at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Jalan Petanak and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg near here comprised a developer, property agent and property valuer.

It is also said the raid was carried out simultaneously on the three offices at about 10am yesterday.