PUTRAJAYA: A senior officer from a government agency has been arrested, the eighth so far, for alleged involvement in a "project cartel" syndicate being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The 38-year-old suspect, a quantity surveyor with a Grade 48 position, is believed to have prepared bills of quantity for projects offered by a government agency.
Sources with knowledge of MACC's investigation into the case said the suspect allegedly leaked information on project specifications to allow the syndicate gain an advantage to secure tenders.
The suspect was arrested late Monday (April 5) at his house in Ampang.
"Investigations showed that the suspect was paid RM300,000 each time he provided information to syndicate leaders.
"Four such payments were uncovered, meaning he received around RM1.2mil from the syndicate," said a source.
The suspect has been brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court for remand.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest.
On Monday, seven individuals, including the syndicate's boss, were remanded for six days for the MACC to investigate the case.
The "project cartel" is believed to have been awarded 345 tenders with an estimated value of RM3.6bil from different ministries and agencies nationwide since 2014.
