MELAKA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is believed to have initiated a probe on the allegation relating to an approval of a mega reclamation land project about eight years ago.
It is learnt that the investigation has been narrowed to the administration of the Melaka government under former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
A source said that the MACC has called several key government officials including former exco members and department heads to have their statements recorded over the alleged approval.
Some of these officials were allegedly spotted at the state MACC headquarters at Alai here on Tuesday (Dec 7).
However, it’s not immediately known whether the probe is linked to an approval of freehold status for the controversial Melaka Gateway land reclamation project in 2014.
The approval was allegedly made when Idris, who was the chief minister, said he only supported it on behalf of the state government.
Idris, who was the Melaka chief minister from May 2013 to May 2018, had denied the approval was made on his personal capacity as it was granted under the National Land Council (NLC).
The RM43bil Melaka Gateway project to build several artificial islands was launched in 2014 by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak but was cancelled when Pakatan Harapan came to power in May 2018.
A few months later, then Pakatan chief minister Adly Zahari said the Melaka Gateway project would go on as it would benefit the people, especially in terms of job opportunities.
MACC officials were unable to be reached for confirmation.
