PETALING JAYA: A director and a former director of a government agency are among 13 people remanded to assist investigations into a RM2.5mil bribery case.
The suspects are alleged to have solicited and accepted bribes from contractors for the appointment of companies controlled by cartel-linked agents to monopolise direct negotiation and quotation projects awarded by the agency.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Strategic Communications Division said the suspects are 10 men and three women, aged between 30 and 70.
“They were arrested on Monday night after their statements were recorded at the Perak MACC office.
“Eight of them are civil servants. The remaining five are company owners and private individuals,” it said in a statement yesterday.
According to the MACC, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to have conspired in the scheme between 2024 and 2026.
It said the contractors arrested had confirmed they were required to pay bribes of between 10% and 15% through intermediaries, with the money allegedly channelled to the director and former director of the government agency.
In relation to the case, a series of operations were carried out in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang and Perak under Ops Drain.
A total of 25 locations, including residences, office premises and government offices, were raided during the operation, which led to the seizure of approximately RM1.5mil in cash, a luxury watch, two vehicles, a high-powered motorcycle and jewellery worth about RM1mil.
The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for allegedly accepting bribes in return for acting in matters involving his principal’s affairs or business.
