Two ‘Datuk' figures nabbed over mining licence bribery
KOTA KINABALU (June 18): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah has detained two individuals bearing the title 'Datuk' on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to approximately RM200,000 in connection with the issuance of mining exploration licences in the state.
According to sources, the two male suspects — aged in their 30s and 60s — were arrested on Wednesday at around 9.45am and 11.50am. One was apprehended while giving his statement at the MACC Sabah office, while the other was picked up at MACC's headquarters in Putrajaya.
'The suspects, a businessman and a serving member of the State Legislative Assembly, are believed to have been involved in the corrupt dealings between 2023 and 2024.
'Preliminary investigations revealed that both individuals had allegedly solicited and received bribes from each other amounting to RM200,000, purportedly to facilitate the approval process of mining licence applications in Sabah,' the source said.
When contacted, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests, stating that the case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
He added that the businessman was released on bail after having his statement recorded, with bail set at RM100,000, of which RM10,000 was paid as a deposit, along with two guarantors.
The state assemblyman was also released after his statement was recorded, with bail set at RM50,000 and one guarantor.
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