Former Felda GM in court for remand as MACC investigates project, land deal

Putrajaya, Sept 7 — A former Felda general manager, in his late 60s, has been placed under five days of remand to aid investigations into an abuse of power case, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The remand order was issued by Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah and will run until Sept 11. MACC detained two individuals, aged in their 50s and 60s, at the MACC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon after they appeared to have their statements recorded.

Both are suspected of involvement in the sale of land owned by the statutory body to a company with ties to the developer, without prior board approval. MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests, stating that the case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009. The large-scale special investigation, 'Ops Felda', focuses on investment transactions and asset acquisitions by Felda and its subsidiary, FIC, between 2010 and 2020.

Six of seven investigation papers were opened on Aug 24, while one is an ongoing case in the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) process. The investigations cover various acquisitions and investments, including those in the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City (KLVC) project. Another remand application for an individual currently receiving health treatment is expected today.