THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained three individuals, including a former officer with the honorific title “Datuk,” in connection with alleged bribery involving a housing project in Kuantan, Pahang.
The suspects are linked to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB).
According to sources within the MACC, the suspects are accused of accepting nearly RM110 mil in bribes from a construction company.
The bribes were allegedly given in exchange for the signing of an additional development agreement for the project without the approval of the SPNB board.
“The signed agreement was believed to contain unfair clauses, causing SPNB to incur losses amounting to tens of millions of ringgit,” the source said.
Moreover, the suspects who range in age from their 40s to 60s were detained at the MACC headquarters between 6.30pm and 7pm on Monday (July 29), according to the source.
They are being held under a five-day remand order issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Burhanuddin, which lasts until Aug 3.
“However, one suspect was released on MACC bail after their statement was recorded,” added the source.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya has confirmed the arrests. The investigation is being conducted under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with the offence of soliciting or receiving gratification. – July 31, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
