MACC calls 45 in Sabah rural development fund case

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has called 45 people including seven, currently under remand, to facilitate investigations into misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah involving RM1.5 billion.

Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad said MACC would be calling more people soon.

"We will call all those involved and anyone who could assist us in the investigation as this issue appears to involve more than 70 projects amounting to RM1.5 billion.

"There will be more arrests, just give MACC time," he told reporters after visiting the Sungai Intan water treatment plant here today.

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On his visit to the plant, he said MACC as foster family to Kampung Sungai Intan was disappointed that the project which the villagers had been anticipating for 30 years failed to function due to insufficient water.

"The residents are forced to depend on well water and only receive treated water once or twice a week," he said.

The Sungai Intan treatment plant which was upgraded and completed last year is among the 70 projects being investigated by MACC.

Aside from the treatment plant, Dzulkilfi said other projects in Semporna were also being investigated.

Meanwhile, he dismissed fears that MACC's investigations were politically motivated.

Commenting on the statement by Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Junz Wong that the party was ready to be investigated by the MACC, he stressed that the investigation was about abuse of power and corruption related to federal funds for rural development in Sabah.

"Not all those we detained are Parti Warisan Sabah members. MACC's investigation is based on statements obtained," he said.

To date, MACC has detained seven individuals comprising four politicians, two contractors and a federal ministry official.

"Aside from Sabah, other states are also under MACC's scrutiny," said Dzulkifli. -- Bernama