THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a Terengganu state executive councillor over allegations that he abused his official position to secure employment for his two children within state-linked companies.
The councillor, in his 60s and also a Terengganu state assemblyman, was taken into custody at around 11.15am today at the MACC office in Kemaman, where he had arrived to provide a statement.
Preliminary investigations suggest the alleged misconduct occurred in 2018 and 2020. Sources said the councillor is believed to have leveraged his roles as an exco member and chairman of a company board to facilitate the hiring of both children at two subsidiaries linked to the state government.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that the alleged offences occurred in 2018 and 2020. The suspect, who is also a Terengganu state assemblyman, is believed to have leveraged his role as an exco member and chairman of a company board to have his children hired by two state-linked subsidiaries," a source told reporters.
MACC Terengganu director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid confirmed the arrest and stated that the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. "The suspect will face charges in due course," he added.
Section 23 of the MACC Act criminalises the abuse of power by officers of public bodies who use their positions to secure gratification for themselves, relatives, or associates. Convicted individuals may face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The case is among a series of high-profile MACC investigations into allegations of nepotism and misuse of authority within Malaysia’s state-linked enterprises, underscoring persistent concerns about governance and integrity in public office. - February 22, 2026
