MACC Detains Five Individuals Over Alleged RM1.96 Million Seberang Perai Land Abuse

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested five individuals, including a government agency chairman carrying a “Datuk” title, over alleged power abuse involving the sale of agency-owned Seberang Perai land in Penang that caused an estimated loss of RM1.96 million.

The main suspect, a chairman in his 50s, was taken into custody for allegedly exploiting his previous positions as deputy chairman and board member to sanction the 2015 sale of eight land lots in South Seberang Perai. The parcels were sold to a private firm suspected of belonging to his personal associates.

Investigative sources revealed that the official allegedly used his position to approve the transaction at a price significantly below prevailing market value, resulting in state losses estimated at RM1.96 million.

Four other suspects—comprising two company directors, a technical manager, and a female clerk aged between 40 and 50—were also detained.

All five individuals were picked up in stages yesterday between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Penang MACC office. Investigators are expected to produce the suspects at the George Town Magistrate’s Court this morning to secure formal remand orders.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests, noting that the case is being actively investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of power.

–NMT