A civil servant in Sabah has been remanded for seven days following an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission into alleged abuse of power involving 15 government projects worth approximately RM2 million. The suspect allegedly used his position to sign off on completion certificates for projects tied to his family.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission detained a male civil servant in his 40s after he arrived to provide a statement at the Keningau branch office.
Official Suspected of Approving Family Contracts
Investigators allege that the official abused his position between 2021 and 2024. According to the official statement released by the MACC, the suspect improperly verified completion documents for public works.
“The suspect allegedly used his position to approve the Certificate of Practical Completion for all the government projects in question, which were carried out by a company believed to be owned by his wife,”
MACC
While initial reports specified that the company was believed to be owned by his wife, subsequent agency summaries noted the enterprise belonged to a family member. The total value of the 15 affected government contracts stands at approximately RM2 million.
Probe Opened Under Section 23 of the MACC Act
Sabah MACC Director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah confirmed the arrest when contacted by reporters. Authorities are probing the case under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which addresses public officers who use their office or position for gratification.
Under this statutory provision, an official found guilty faces up to 20 years in prison. The offense also carries a fine of at least five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever amount is higher.
Magistrate Orders Custody Until October 12
The magistrate’s order keeps the suspect in custody until October 12 while anti-corruption investigators continue gathering evidence.
“Further investigations are still ongoing to identify all the facts and circumstances related to the case,”
Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah
Further checks are underway to identify all parties connected to the inquiry.