MACC looking into claims of possible graft in Kuala Koh, says Latheefa

MACC chief Latheefa Koya says no investigation papers have been opened so far into claims of corruption at Kampung Kuala Koh in Gua Musang.

KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained information of possible corruption at Kampung Kuala Koh, the rural settlement in Gua Musang, Kelantan, which came under the spotlight recently over the deaths of several Orang Asli settlers.

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, however, said no investigation papers have been opened so far.

“We have received information and we are looking into it but I can’t discuss operational matters as it will affect our investigations,” she told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Kelantan State Secretary Nazran Muhammad at Kompleks Kota Darul Naim here today.

Latheefa did not reveal the parties who furnished the information or whether it was related to mining or logging activities in the area.

Recently, 15 Orang Asli from the Batek tribe at Kampung Kuala Koh were reported to have died from pneumonia following a measles epidemic.

Several parties had lodged police reports claiming the deaths were caused by pollution in Sungai Lebir but this was denied by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who cited a health ministry report during her visit to the settlement.

Latheefa also confirmed MACC’s decision to stop the practice of having suspects wear the orange lock-up attire when appearing in court from July 1.

“It was an attire that presented an image as though the suspect was already a guilty person. That is why we are stressing that whoever is detained from now, until proven guilty and sentenced, must never be viewed in that light anymore,” she said.

Latheefa said that among the matters she discussed in her hour-long meeting with Nazran were the National Anti-Corruption Plan and asset declaration. - FMT