THE Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into 26 companies across several states suspected of involvement in irregularities linked to Malaysian Army procurement tenders, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The agency is also examining all owners of the companies that secured procurement contracts from the army. Investigators are considering applying for remand orders against those involved to assist the inquiry.
“SPRM has already begun investigations into all 26 companies at about 11am yesterday in areas around the Klang Valley, Perak and Penang,” a source said.
SPRM chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the investigation when contacted, saying the case was being probed under Sections 17 and 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which relate to bribery and abuse of position.
The probe follows earlier reporting that several other individuals had been identified in connection with alleged corruption linked to a senior Malaysian Army officer.
According to sources, the latest developments emerged from SPRM’s ongoing investigation into multiple army procurement projects, which the agency has been actively pursuing for several weeks.
As part of the inquiry, SPRM has frozen six bank accounts believed to belong to a senior officer of the Malaysian Army and members of his family, in order to facilitate investigations into alleged corruption involving army procurement projects.
Azam confirmed the account seizures and said an investigation paper had been opened under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 in relation to the case.
On 23 December last year, SPRM officers visited the Ministry of Defence to examine projects carried out through open tender procurement as well as procurements under the Malaysian Army’s responsibility centres.
On 24 December 2005, SPRM summoned three individuals to record statements in connection with the investigation. - January 6, 2025