Former Tourism Malaysia top official arrested (updated)

PUTRAJAYA: A former top official of Tourism Malaysia has been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over funds from the agency involving millions of ringgit. 

Sources said the official was summoned on Tuesday (Jan 8) to have his statement recorded.  

Several hours into his questioning, the individual was arrested.  

He is expected to be remanded on Wednesday (Jan 9).  

Top officials from MACC were tight-lipped when asked about the matter.  

"Wait for tomorrow, we will let you know," said a source when contacted.  

The individual is believed to have held a top position in Tourism Malaysia.  

It is learnt that the arrest was related to investigations into a RM99.693mil project that was allegedly approved in just one day.  

This was said to have happened around a month before the 14th general election in May last year.  

The contract was for a local company to act as a go-between for Tourism Malaysia and a China-based firm to promote Malaysia on social media.  

The controversy was first highlighted on May 31 last year by former Tourism Malaysia chairman Wee Choo Keong in his blog.   

He claimed that the deal was against the Tourism Ministry's procurement regulations and done hastily without proper due diligence.