MACC nabs 19 more officers
RM4.2 MILLION IN CASH SEIZED: RM3.6 million kept in banks frozen
THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 19 more officers and recovered RM7.8 million as the investigation into the Sabah Water Department scandal widens.
In a follow up to their probe into the nation’s biggest-ever graft case, MACC launched a second wave of operations in 27 locations across state where they nabbed the suspects as well as seized RM4.2 million in cash and froze RM3.6 million kept in banks.
Earlier the commission arrested four men, including the state department’s director and his deputy, and recovered over RM115 million in cash and from banks as well as nearly RM37 million in watches, jewellery, luxury vehicles, designer bags and properties based on 127 land tiles seized. Over RM30 million were also discovered in banks abroad.
This was followed with a fifth arrest, a former deputy director of the state department, to facilitate investigations into the case, which involves misappropriation from RM3.3 billion worth of federal funds meant for projects to improve water supply in the state since 2010.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki yesterday said more information and evidence were uncovered in their probe that saw more than 80 people questioned, which led them to the latest arrests and seizures.
The officers were believed to have had pocketed between 27 per cent and 30 per cent of a project’s value from contractors who were awarded tendered projects and emergency projects that were directly awarded.
“Claims and procurement documents have been confiscated during the operation and our officers are examining them now,” he said, adding that the suspects, aged between 29 and 59, were remanded between four days and a week starting yesterday.
“Investigation into this (graft) case is focused on the involvement of government officers in corrupt practices and abuse of power,” he said adding that its probe does not involve any politician.
“We need time to complete our investigations due to the large amount of documents to be studied before submitting them to the deputy public prosecutor for action.
“MACC viewed the case seriously and we assure that investigations will be carried out transparently and professionally without any interference.”
In the course of the investigations, MACC has discovered links to 38 companies owned by family members and proxies of the director and deputy director.
Three people had also surrendered RM1 million, money believed to have been given to secure contracts, to the commission.
at the magistrate’s court in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Pic courtesy of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission