‘SWD weaknesses led to leakage’

WEAKNESSES in the Sabah Water Department (SWD) led to a scandal involving millions of ringgit, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim.

Without revealing details, he said there were loopholes and weaknesses that needed rectification.

“We noticed it when compiling information. We worked with SWD and managed to rectify the problems that enabled them to siphon the amount over the last few years.

Razali said the case involved money laundering and other areas such as the tender and contracts awarding processes, adding that the case has been set for hearing on July 4.

It was reported that on Dec 29 last year, former SWD director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 54, claimed trial to eight counts of possessing RM56.9 million in cash, two charges of unlawful possession of six luxury vehicles and another charge of unlawful possession of 86 branded wrist watches.

He also claimed trial with his wife, Fauziah Piut, 51, to two counts of unlawful possession of jewellery, while Fauziah was charged with another 19 offences for unlawful possession of jewellery and luxury bags, and RM2.2 million in various bank accounts.

Sabah Finance Ministry former technical and engineering adviser Lim Lam Beng, 62, was also charged with unlawful possession of a vehicle and three counts of possessing RM2.38 million in cash.

The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission reportedly recovered RM53.7 million in cash, nearly 20kg in jewellery, RM60 million in bank deposits, RM30 million worth of land grants, RM30 million in accounts abroad and nine luxury cars worth RM2.7 million.