Penang land scandal: MACC arrests government agency chairman, four others over undervalued sales

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) made arrests in Penang on August 21, targeting five people, including a government agency chairman, over allegations of exploiting their positions in the sale of eight plots of land in Seberang Perai Selatan. The suspects, ranging in age from their 40s to 50s, consist of a Datuk chairman, two company directors, a technical manager, and a clerk, according to TV3.

It's alleged that the chairman, who held dual roles as deputy chairman and board member in 2015, sanctioned the sale of the land to a company linked to one of his associates. The land reportedly sold at a significantly undervalued price, leading to the government agency incurring losses of about RM1.96 million. The five individuals were apprehended separately at the Penang MACC office between 11am and noon.

They are set to appear before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court this morning for a remand application. Chief Commissioner Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests, stating that the case is under investigation for abuse of power under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.