Johor MB leaves it to MACC to probe corruption in State

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today said he left it entirely to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate cases of corruption and embezzlement of property in the state.

"I do not want to comment, let the MACC investigate," he said, declining to comment further.

He was earlier asked to comment on the arrest of six men, including the son and a special officer of a Johor state official allegedly involved in a corruption scandal and embezzlement of real estate in the state.

Yesterday, six men aged between 25 and 50 were arrested at various locations in Johor Bahru in simultaneous operations conducted by the MACC from about 8.30am.

The other four arrested comprise two developers, a lawyer and a civilian.

In a statement issued today, the MACC said from the initial investigation, the suspects were believed to have been complicit in the reduction of premium for land approved for housing and industrial projects as well as conversion of the status of various premises in Johor.

Seized in the operations were 21 luxury cars, five high-powered motorcycles, cash of about RM500,000 including foreign currencies, as well as documents which could be of help in the investigation.

In addition, it said 45 bank accounts with a total sum of RM15.5 million belonging to the suspects had been frozen.

Assistant registrar of the Johor Bahru Magistrate's Court, Noor Hidayah Abdul Manaf allowed all the suspects to be remanded for seven days from today. - BERNAMA