MACC nabs Sabah assemblyman, businessman over alleged mining scandal

 The duo were arrested at separate locations this morning.

According to the MACC, the suspects are believed to have solicited and received a RM200,000 bribe to facilitate the application of mining licences.

PETALING JAYA:

 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a businessman and a Sabah assemblyman in connection to the alleged mining scandal in the state.

According to an MACC source, the suspects, both of whom carry a “Datuk” title, were nabbed separately at the anti-graft agency’s office in Sabah and its headquarters in Putrajaya this morning.

The suspects, in their 30s and 60s, are believed to have solicited and received a RM200,000 bribe to facilitate the application of mining licences.

“The two suspects, a businessman and an assemblyman, are believed to have committed the offence between 2023 and 2024.

“Preliminary investigations also discovered that the two suspects would often solicit and accept bribes to manage the application for a mining license,” the source said.

When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrest.

He also said the authorities were investigating the case under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act. The section deals with giving and accepting bribes.

MORE TO COME

- FMT