Investigating graft in carpet supply

MACC opens probe on mosques and surau

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC) confirmed that it has opened 35 investigation papers on alleged embezzlement in the supply and installation of carpets at several mosques and surau in the state.

State MACC director P. Ganason said it was in the final stage of preparing the papers before submitting these to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.

“Some 30 witnesses, comprising mainly Terengganu Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT) staff, the public and contractors, have been called to help in the investigations since we were alerted about the case early this year,” he told reporters after a ground-breaking ceremony for the Terengganu MACC office complex project here yesterday.

The event was also attended by MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad.

Last Tuesday, JHEAT Commissioner Datuk Wan Mohd Wan Ibrahim was reported to have exposed the alleged embezzlement cases involving claims amounting to over RM1mil.

The state MACC, said Ganason, had so far opened 51 investigation papers on white-collar crimes, including corruption, misappropriation of funds and abuse of power.

“Fourteen arrests were made and 19 people have been charged in courts,” he said.

On the construction of the RM39.1mil complex, Ganason said it was expected to be ready by April 2019.

“It is hoped that with the completion of the new complex, the public will find it easier to come and lodge a report at the MACC in the effort to prevent crimes of corruption, embezzlement or even abuse of power,” he added. — Bernama