MACC: Taman Rimba Kiara project graft probe reopened

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reopened its investigation into the Taman Rimba Kiara condominium project following new information received, says Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

The deputy chief commissioner (operations) said the MACC had probed the case before, adding that it was wrong to accuse them of not acting on reports lodged.

"We have investigated (before) and we have to re-look into it when there are new issues brought to us," he said, adding that investigation officers were gathering additional information from various parties.

"We will submit the case to the deputy public prosecutor for it to be reviewed and to get further advice," he told reporters at the closing ceremony of the anti-corruption training for officers of Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (ONACC) here on Tuesday (May 21).

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh had alleged that the MACC was being slow to act on the disputed Taman Rimba Kiara project despite several reports lodged against its development.

"Previously, the TTDI resident and former Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng (now Kepong MP) had lodged a MACC report on the matter.

"Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) had also submitted important details on the case to MACC to investigate," she said.

Asked when the investigation will be completed, Azam said: "Give us some time first."

It was reported that the revised plan includes a 17-storey block with 204 units of affordable housing (Rumawip) for the longhouse folk and four blocks of 41 to 45-storey condominiums with 1,082 units in total.

The initial development project first proposed in 2016 involved building eight blocks of 42 to 54-storey high-end serviced apartments (2,277 units) and a 29-storey block comprising 350 affordable housing units.

The new proposal will be brought to the Cabinet for a decision.