Five, including Datuk chairman, remanded for alleged power abuse in land deals

Authorities have arrested five individuals, including a Datuk-titled chairman of a government agency, in connection with alleged power abuse in land disposal transactions. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) detained the suspects on suspicion of involvement in corrupt practices that resulted in an estimated loss of RM1.96 million.

The investigation centers on the approval of eight land lots in Seberang Perai Selatan in 2015. The Datuk chairman, reportedly in his 50s, is accused of abusing his position as Deputy Chairman and Board Member to approve the sale of these lands to a company believed to be associated with his allies. The sale was allegedly conducted at a price significantly lower than the market value, leading to the substantial financial loss.

Among those remanded are two company directors, a technical manager, and a female clerk from the same agency. The arrests were made sequentially between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the state SPRM office. The remand order, issued by Magistrate Noor Idayu Salim, will last for four days, allowing investigators to probe the case under Section 23 of the SPRM Act 2009.

SPRM Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd. Halim Aman confirmed the detentions. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability in public land dealings. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged abuse of power and bring those responsible to justice.