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MACC photo shows one of the affected highways at an unspecified location. – MACC Image
KUCHING (8 September): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested two directors of companies on suspicion of filing false complaints related to a road project worth RM 800 million.
The project under the Defense Ministry’s “Jiwa Murni” program involved upgrading 10 rural roads in Miri, Kapit, Ba ‘Kelalan, Limbang and Belaga, a statement issued by MACC said today.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests during a special operation here.
He said the investigation of the case was carried out with the cooperation of the Defense Ministry after an internal audit revealed the flaws in the projects.
Tomorrow they will be taken to court for a request for a preventive detention order against them.
The directors, both 44 years old, were proprietary partners of three companies that monopolized the project, which was awarded by the ministry to the company from 2010 to 2016, according to the statement.
“Our source said that locals had filed many complaints against the poor condition of these rural roads because they were not built to specification,” the statement said.
He added that based on the technical investigation, the work carried out did not meet the standards of the Department of Public Works.
The affected roads were reportedly only tarred two inches above the ground surface and were also made without gravel and sand as per contract specifications, making them susceptible to heavy vehicle damage.
The state government has instructed the state Department of Public Works (PWD) to take over the management of the highway repair works, but this would double the cost, MACC said, citing a source.
However, one of the four contractors designated by the state PWD to take over the project was a company owned by the two suspects, MACC said, adding that the suspects’ businesses should have been blacklisted.
The MACC is investigating the case under Sections 16 (b), 17 (a) and 18 of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Act 2009.
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