Penang MACC arrests two over RM1m bribe to suppress corruption report against sand supplier

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a managing director and a jobless man for allegedly soliciting a RM1 million bribe to bury a corruption report against a sand supplier.

The suspects, both in their 50s, were picked up in separate operations in Penang between 2pm and 8pm yesterday.

One was arrested at a restaurant, while the other was detained at the MACC Penang office.

Sources revealed that the duo — an unemployed man described as the primary suspect and a managing director of a sand supply firm — are believed to have solicited the bribe last month.

The primary suspect was caught in a sting operation by the MACC Intelligence Division at a restaurant, just as three cheques totalling RM1 million were being handed over to him.

“The primary suspect is also suspected of threatening to lodge a report with the MACC if the payment was not made,” a source said.

During the operation, investigators seized the three cheques and four mobile phones.

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests when contacted.

He said the case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and that one witness has already had their statement recorded.