GEORGE TOWN – Three individuals, including a Penang exco’s special officer, were remanded for four days to assist in the investigation into allegations of submitting false claims related to a hawkers’ programme involving bribes worth more than RM80,000.
The remand order issued by Magistrate R. Manomani begins today until February 12.
Investigations involving the 42-year-old exco special officer and two other individuals were conducted in accordance with Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.
It is understood that all the individuals involved are believed to have abetted in submitting false details related to the supply of equipment involving six companies, while the programme in 2020 was not implemented.
Meanwhile, lawyer M. Puveneswaran, who represented the exco’s special aide, said the man admitted before the magistrate that he continues to receive his salary until now.
“Yes, he informed the magistrate that he still receives his salary as a special aide to the exco member.
“But on whether he was suspended or not, I am not sure,” he said, adding that the man had served for more than three years with the exco.
Yesterday, the Penang MACC arrested six individuals to assist in the investigation into allegations of submitting false claims related to a hawkers’ programme involving bribes worth more than RM80,000.
It is understood that the six individuals, three men and three women aged between 25 and 50, were arrested at the Penang MACC office.
However, three individuals were released on MACC bail within 24 hours.
Penang MACC director Lim Bee Kean confirmed the arrests. – The Vibes, February 9, 2022