By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 11: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed the arrest of several individuals linked to a cartel accused of manipulating tenders and illegally supplying diesel in Sarawak.
According to the New Straits Times, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said investigations are ongoing, with further details to be disclosed soon.
“There is a diesel smuggling case in Sibu. Arrests have been made, but I cannot disclose the number yet. I am placing an embargo for now because I will be holding a press conference soon.
“Let the investigation and enforcement actions proceed first,” he told reporters after officiating the launch and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MACC and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) in Petaling Jaya today.
This follows a Malay daily’s report yesterday (Sept 10) that a company allegedly operating as a cartel in Sarawak’s fuel supply sector has caused losses amounting to tens of millions of ringgit.
The syndicate is suspected of paying bribes to “insiders” in exchange for securing lucrative diesel supply contracts and tenders, including deals with a state-owned subsidiary.
Investigations suggest the cartel may have monopolised tenders for the past decade by undercutting bids from major oil producers with lower prices.
It is also believed that part of the subsidised diesel meant for the State government was smuggled and diverted to offshore vessels. — DayakDaily
