MACC finds over RM320,000 in two ‘safe houses’

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 14): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in its investigation into a multi-million ringgit corruption case involving Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) has found more cash amounting to over RM320,000 in two ‘safe houses’.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told reporters here on Monday that one of the discoveries was SGD74,000 which is about RM243,000 and RM78,000 in the other ‘safe house’ which is an office.

Speaking to reporters at the ‘Konvensyen Integriti, Tadbir Urus dan Antirasuah (KITA) Tahun 2024’, Azam said MACC had received information that there had been investment done in Singapore.

“I cannot reveal how much and who it belonged to,” he said, adding that MACC expects to make more discoveries in other ‘safe houses’ as investigations and intelligence gathering are still ongoing.

Azam also clarified that only four individuals, three men and a woman had been taken into custody for investigations.

“One individual is being remanded from the 10th and will be held until the 15th of the month. This is connected to a company director. Another man, a 45-year-old former MBI employee, was detained for only a night as he was suffering from prostate cancer.

Azam also confirmed that a politician was linked to the investigation, but he did not reveal the name, adding that the individual would be called to speak to MACC at a time the investigators feel is appropriate.

Several investigation papers have been opened under the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.

During a raid on Saturday, the MACC discovered S$1.529 million in a location referred to as a “safe house”. Other premises were searched in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and more details are expected as the investigation progresses.

“There were earlier questions about whether there are other locations. The answer is, yes,” Azam said.