16 witnesses interviewed in MACC probe on Tourism Malaysia 'Datuk Seri'

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from 16 witnesses in its on-going probe into a Tourism Malaysia official with the title “Datuk Seri” over alleged abuse of power.

A source said MACC would be calling up the high-ranking official for questioning “very soon.”

“So far, we have not made any arrest. But we will be calling up the person in question to assist us in our probe.

"It does not matter the amount involved as we will carry out investigations once there is evidence of corruption,” added the source.

Among those who have been questioned are several officials from Tourism Malaysia, a director and former director of a travel company as well as its secretary.

Earlier this month, MACC officers camped out at the Tourism Malaysia headquarters to probe the official’s alleged abuse of power, including criminal breach of trust.

The investigations point to possible siphoning of funds via Tourism Malaysia’s procurement and advertising divisions.

MACC is also investigating the purchase of domestic and international flight tickets from the travel company, said to be owned by family members of the Datuk Seri.

It is learnt that the company has been operating since 2014 and has been authorised for flight ticket purchases by Tourism Malaysia since last year.

MACC investigation director Datuk Azam Baki confirmed that investigations were still on-going but declined to elaborate.