THE increase in corruption-related to land misuse and environmental concerns – such as illegal farming, unauthorized construction, and deforestation – has led the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to open a new branch in Cameron Highlands.
This new branch, MACC’s 18th across the country, began operations on July 1 and was officially inaugurated today (August 13) by MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya.
“While Cameron Highlands may be a small district in Pahang, there have been notable concerns about land being acquired by foreigners, as highlighted by Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah during his 65th birthday celebration on July 30,” a source in the know told FocusM.
“This situation reflects the ongoing challenges in enforcement and suggests that there have been issues with the integrity of local authorities. Sultan Abdullah has pointed out that land which was once leased to local farmers is now being rented to foreign entities.”
Based on MACC Pahang statistics, the anti-graft agency has received 1,741 complaints from 2020 until today (Aug 13) whereby a total of 440 preliminary investigation papers and 384 investigation papers have been opened while 282 arrests have been carried out with 104 charge cases and 56 convictions made.
Of the above total, MACC has received 68 complaints within the Cameron Highlands district alone whereby a total of 13 preliminary investigation papers and seven investigation papers have been opened with nine arrests made while three suspects were charged and one convicted.
“MACC has opened a new branch office in Cameron Highlands as part of its efforts to expand its services and make it easier for local residents to interact with the commission,” the graft buster had pointed out in its media statement.
“The office is located at C-1-29, Cameron Fair, Jalan Persiaran Camelia. The 57.8 sq m office is equipped with the branch head’s office, an interrogation room and workspace for up to four MACC staff members.” – Aug 13, 2024
