Datuk among four held over alleged siphoning of RM40m

KUALA LUMPUR: Four high-ranking officials, including one who is a “datuk” attached to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (SDFC), were arrested yesterday in an operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged siphoning of RM40 million.

The missing funds represented more than 53% of the RM75 million allocated for 2016 and this year by the government to provide financial assistance to school leavers, and training for unskilled workers and those who are unemployed.

Sources said the corporation’s chief executive officer (CEO), aged 58, secretary, 34, assistant finance officer, 32 and a 38-yearold private company director with a doctorate, were arrested by federal MACC officers at several locations here between 4.30pm and 6pm yesterday.

It is believed the CEO had enlisted the three other SDFC officials to siphon the money since last year.

They allegedly abused their powers by approving training programmes run by 15 companies owned by the private company director.

The government had disbursed RM35 million last year and RM40 million this year to SDFC for training programmes to upgrade the skills of the jobless.

Federal MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed the arrests.

He said the commission is collecting documents linked to the case and will soon summon witnesses to assist in the probe.

“We need to carry out a thorough investigation and do not discount the possibility of arresting more people,” he added. – by Charles Ramendran