3 days ago
Businessman, businesswoman nabbed over RM3.6 million false claims
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 12): A businessman and a businesswoman have been detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly submitting false claims involving over RM3.6 million under the Small and Medium Industry (SME) Assistance Programme.
Sources said both suspects, in their 50s, were detained around 11am on Tuesday when they appeared at the Sabah MACC office to give their statements.
Initial investigations revealed that in 2022 and 2023, the duo allegedly submitted two false claims to the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) — one for the supply of retort machines and entrepreneur equipment worth over RM400,000, and another for MeSTI, My Food and Halal certification services worth over RM3.2 million.
Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy confirmed the arrests, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 18 and Section 28(1)(c) of the MACC Act 2009.
Both suspects were released after paying a RM1,000 deposit each from the RM10,000 bail imposed, and are expected to be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Special Sessions Court for Corruption on Thursday.
