KUALA LUMPUR – The Negeri Sembilan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a formal investigation into a school hostel supervisor following allegations of financial malpractice involving a bribe of approximately RM78,000. The arrest marks a significant move by the commission to address corruption within the management of educational infrastructure and public facilities.
The suspect, a man in his 30s, was taken into custody after he arrived at the Negeri Sembilan MACC headquarters at approximately 4:40 PM yesterday to provide a statement regarding the case. Following his arrest, the commission brought the individual before the Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Nurul Azuin Mohd Talhah granted a five-day remand order. The suspect will remain in custody until Sunday, March 8, to facilitate further interrogation and the gathering of evidence.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the anti-graft agency suggest that the illicit activities took place in 2022. It is alleged that the supervisor utilized his position of authority to solicit and accept gratification from the owner of a private company. In exchange for the payment, the supervisor allegedly ensured that the contractor was awarded maintenance projects for the school hostel.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that while the bribe amount reached RM78,000, the total value of the maintenance contracts involved was estimated to be around RM114,000. This suggests a high percentage of the project’s value was diverted toward illegal kickbacks, potentially compromising the quality or the full execution of the intended maintenance work.
Negeri Sembilan MACC Director, Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awg Ismail, confirmed the arrest and stated that the agency is currently focusing on the financial trail between the suspect and the contractor. The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. Under this provision, any person found guilty of soliciting or accepting gratification as an inducement or reward for performing an act in relation to their principal’s affairs can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of no less than five times the value of the bribe.
The MACC continues to urge those with information regarding similar practices in the public sector to come forward, emphasizing that corruption in school management directly affects the welfare and safety of students relying on these facilities.
