By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Dec 12: A Public Works Department (JKR) engineer implicated in a RM250 million corruption investigation has been released on bail by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan approved the engineer’s release on RM50,000 undeposited bail, secured by one local surety.
The civil servant and a Datuk were detained on Dec 7 as part of investigations into allegations of bribery in the awarding of construction projects in Sarawak.
Both suspects were initially remanded for four days.
The Datuk suspect was released on Dec 9 while the engineer was granted a further remand for an additional three days.
Represented by counsels Steven Beti and Gerald Empaling Donald, the engineer is linked to allegations involving 38 construction projects worth RM250 million.
Investigators claim these projects were awarded to 24 companies reportedly controlled by the primary suspect in the case.
The MACC has uncovered suspicious financial transactions tied to the case, including RM13.7 million in cash withdrawals made through 459 cheque transactions.
Authorities are also examining payments to and from companies associated with the suspects.
To date, three individuals, including a Dato Sri, a Datuk, and the engineer, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
The MACC is actively gathering evidence, including tender documents and financial records, and conducting interviews with contractors and other potential witnesses.
Funds linked to the suspected syndicate have been seized, and efforts are underway to trace additional assets and cash.
Investigators are also scrutinizing payments to four companies and pursuing leads on key witnesses and accomplices who remain at large.
The case is being investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009, which addresses the solicitation and acceptance of bribes. — DayakDaily
