The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained eight individuals involved in accepting bribes totaling nearly RM2 million from a syndicate that sold land belonging to the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) in Melaka.
An MACC source revealed that the detained individuals are from Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, aged between 20 and 50, and include brokers, members of the public, bank officers, and a company director. The detentions took place between 6 pm on 10 June and 1 am on 11 June when the suspects arrived at the MACC offices in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah to provide their statements.
“Three brokers and two members of the public were detained in Kuala Lumpur, while two bank officers and a company director were detained in Sabah. Following their detention, Magistrate Lili Marisqa Khalizan issued a seven-day remand order for five of the suspects from the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates Court. Meanwhile, Magistrate Wan Farrah Afriza Wan Ghazali from the Kota Kinabalu Magistrates Court issued a six-day remand order for the remaining three individuals,” the source said.
The source further explained that the three brokers, company director, and two members of the public, acting as intermediaries, paid close to RM2 million to the two bank officers. This bribe was intended to facilitate the opening of bank accounts under Felda's name, misleading buyers into believing the land transactions were legitimate. Consequently, the buyers deposited their payments into these accounts.
“The bank officers' involvement with the syndicate resulted in the sale of 260 hectares of Felda land worth RM400 million in Bukit Katil, Melaka, in 2023,” the source added.
In addition, the MACC has frozen nearly 200 bank accounts linked to the individuals and the company, with a combined value of RM28 million. This action is part of the broader effort to dismantle the syndicate and recover illicitly obtained funds.
Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, Director of MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering Division, confirmed the arrests. He stated that the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA). These laws address bribery and the laundering of money from illegal activities, emphasizing the serious nature of the crimes committed.
The MACC's actions reflect its commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability among public and private sector individuals involved in corrupt practices. The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of the syndicate's operations and bring all responsible parties to justice.
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