CORRUPTION IN HOSPITALS: Datuk, 3 others held by MACC over RM20mil kickbacks

KUALA LUMPUR - A senior female civil servant who is a Datuk and a company manager were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today for allegedly accepting kickbacks of about RM20 million to secure retail space at hospitals nationwide.

The 60-year-old civil servant who holds a senior position in a government department is believed to have collaborated with the male manager, aged 59 in securing retail space for businesses such as convenience stores and franchise restaurants by bypassing a public tender process as required by the law.

Two other women in their 30's and 40's were also detained to assist in the investigations.

The manager who is an ex-senior civil servant had left the government service several years ago to run a private business.

He is believed to be the main figure who allegedly pulled the strings in ensuring certain companies were awarded the highly sought after retail space at government hospitals.

It is yet to be known how long the suspects were active in their alleged crooked ways but the MACC learnt that about RM20 million in bribes were involved in the case.

According to sources, investigations showed that over 40 business outlets in hospitals across the country are involved in the case.

MACC officers detained the suspects at their homes at various locations in the Klang Valley.

They were remanded for two days today and are being investigated under the MACC Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Due to the high volume of patients, retail outlets at government hospitals enjoy lucrative turnover making it highly sought after by business owners. - Sundaily