KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) may engage foreign forensic experts as it expands its probe into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) following the discovery of eight additional problematic investments.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman revealed that the new findings bring the total number of investigation papers opened on the pilgrimage fund to 14, up from the original six flagged by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report.
"We need to scrutinise voluminous documentation involving agreements, contracts, meeting minutes, and corporate decisions," Abd Halim told a press conference here on Thursday (Aug 13). "Examining these requires specialised expertise and patience."
He said discussions are ongoing regarding the appointment of foreign forensic specialists, subject to cost considerations.
To date, 115 individuals have given statements, and seven people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Five remain in remand, while two were released on bail due to health reasons. More individuals will be summoned soon regarding the eight new investment cases.
Separately, Abd Halim provided an update on Ops Chick, an operation that dismantled an illegal frozen chicken import syndicate in Sabah on Tuesday (Aug 11).
He said seven individuals were remanded for three days on Wednesday, while enforcement officers seized 10 containers containing goods valued at RM3.747mil. The operation uncovered an estimated RM1.012mil in tax leakage and resulted in the seizure of seven mobile phones for forensic analysis.
