KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided two premises in the capital, used as “safehouses”, and seized RM321,000 in cash in connection with an investigation into sand concession corruption.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that the operation followed the earlier seizure of nearly RM5 million in cash from an apartment linked to an influential politician.
“The latest raids took place yesterday in the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur areas. One involved an office, while the other was an unspecified location.
“My officers counted, and there were two additional safehouses searched. In one of them, SG$74,000 (RM243,000) was found.
“Then, at another office location, approximately RM78,000 was discovered. We have also received information about investments made in Singapore…I cannot disclose the amount or the owner at this time,” he told the media in Kota Kinabalu today.
He added that four individuals had been arrested, and statements from 15 witnesses had been recorded.
According to him, the detainees include a company director, a 45-year-old former senior executive at Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), a 43-year-old former driver, and a 46-year-old woman who is also a former financial officer.
“The driver was only detained for a day due to prostate cancer, while two others were released on MACC bail yesterday, and one remains in remand until 15 October (tomorrow).
“We believe that more cash has been invested in Singapore and stored in other banks. We will continue the investigation into this matter,” he said.
When asked whether the politician involved had been summoned for further questioning, Azam said the individual would be called once sufficient evidence was gathered.
“I cannot reveal who the politician is. Yes, they will be summoned at a time deemed appropriate by my investigating officers.
“As usual, we need to obtain all the evidence we consider necessary and verified before the person is called in.
“I will not rule out or deny that they will be summoned, but only after my officers are satisfied with the findings of documents and money linked to the case,” he said.
Azam also did not rule out the possibility of more raids, arrests, and witnesses being called to assist in the investigation.
The investigation is being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
On Saturday, MACC discovered around RM5 million in foreign currency after raiding an apartment here, allegedly used as a ‘safehouse’ by an influential politician.
Following the raid, which occurred at around 10pm, Azam Baki confirmed to Scoop that two suspects were detained.
He stated that the case involved corruption concerning the acquisition of sand concessions from MBI.
A source revealed that the apartment was believed to have been rented by a businessman as a storage place for illicit funds.
According to the source, the two suspects were linked to a well-known politician who once held significant influence in Selangor. – October 14, 2024
