A director and a former director of a government agency are among 13 individuals remanded to assist investigations into a suspected bribery scheme involving approximately RM2.5 million allegedly received from contractors.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in appointing contractor companies controlled by cartel agents to monopolise direct award and quotation-based projects within the agency.
According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the suspects comprise 10 men and three women aged between their 30s and 60s. They were arrested between 8pm and 11pm on Monday after giving statements at the Perak MACC office.
In a statement on Wednesday, the MACC’s Strategic Communications Division said three suspects, including two civil servants and a company director, were remanded for two days from June 16 to June 17.
“The remaining 10 suspects have been remanded for five days from June 16 to June 20 after Magistrate Anis Hanini Abdullah approved the MACC’s remand application at the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court.
“Of the 13 suspects remanded, eight are civil servants while the other five are members of the public and company owners,” the statement said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to carry out the activities between 2024 and 2026.
Investigators also found that contractors involved in the scheme allegedly paid bribes ranging between 10 and 15 per cent to middlemen, who then channelled the money to the agency’s director and former director.
On Monday, the MACC’s Investigation Division launched Op Drain, conducting raids across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang and Perak.
A total of 25 locations, including residential properties, office premises and government agency buildings, were searched during the operation.
Authorities also seized various assets, including approximately RM1.5 million in cash, a luxury watch, two vehicles, a high-powered motorcycle and jewellery estimated to be worth RM1 million.
The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.
