03/09/2026

THURSDAY | SEPT 3, 2026

5 Suspects in Tabung Haji case to be charged

MACC questions 12 in Felda corruption probe

PUTRAJAYA: Several individuals previously detained in connection with investigations into the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) are expected to be charged in court today and tomorrow, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman. He said the charges would involve alleged abuse of power under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The charges are expected to be filed at courts in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan. Abd Halim said another investigation paper would be referred to the attorney-general, with charges expected to follow next week in connection with MACC’s latest probe into a property leasing issue involving the Al Rawda investment. “There is also another investigation paper that will be referred to the attorney-general, and charges are expected to be filed next week following MACC’s latest investigation into a property lease issue involving the Al Rawda investment, namely hotel leases in Mecca and Madinah involving 2.49 billion Saudi Riyal.” He added that MACC had opened 14 investigation papers in connection with the RCI, four of which had been classified as “no further action”. “So far, 18 individuals have been detained, with 11 remanded, while 245 witnesses have been called and 60 premises searched and inspected to obtain relevant documents.” The 11 remanded individuals included a former CEO and former CFO of TH Plantation, a former director of Putra Perdana Construction, a former director of Putrajaya Perdana Berhad and a former TH chairman. Abd Halim also has not ruled out the possibility of a VVIP being charged in connection with The remand order was issued by Magistrate Ezrene Zakaria after MACC made an application. The man, who is in his 60s, was arrested at about 4.30pm yesterday after he arrived at the MACC headquarters to provide his statement in an investigation into the leasing of hotels in Saudi Arabia. The investigation is being conducted under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to soliciting or receiving gratification as inducement or reward in connection with a transaction. The offence carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification involved, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, under Section 24 of the same Act.

investigations into issues raised in the RCI report. He added that the individual could face charges after MACC completes its investigation into the leasing of properties under the Al Rawda investment in Saudi Arabia. He said MACC’s detention and investigation of several high-profile individuals following revelations in the RCI report on TH were not carried out arbitrarily or based solely on old cases. He also said a committee had been established to review the RCI report and previous TH investigations, while officers were instructed to act only on complaints and information received in accordance with established standard operating procedures. “At MACC, I established a committee to review new investigation papers as well as old cases that have yet to reach a conclusion. “There are investigation papers that were opened previously but remain pending to this day, with no decision made. “So, this committee will screen and review the status of these old investigation papers, including those without a decision. A decision will then be made on whether they should be reopened.” Abd Halim said the committee would determine within the week whether further action, including court charges, should be taken, adding that no charges would be filed if there were insufficient grounds. He added that two other investigation papers involving TH Marine, TH Alam and TH Alam Management, involving investments totalling RM334.2 million, would be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers soon. “The second case that has been completed involves allegations of corruption concerning TH’s 30% shareholding in Putrajaya Perdana Construction Sdn Bhd.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi TH former chairman and a former Treasury secretary-general were released from MACC remand after being detained for seven days to assist investigations into issues involving TH. Investigations into issues raised in the RCI report are ongoing to ensure the country would not continue to suffer losses. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported as saying appropriate action should be taken if the investigation found any wrongdoing, but emphasised that the process must be based on evidence and the law. On July 29, the Islamic Development Department Malaysia published the 211-page RCI report on the management and operations of TH between 2014 and 2020. The report highlighted various weaknesses in the institution’s management during the period and made 25 recommendations for improvement. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

o Investigations centred around alleged asset purchases that led to financial losses

or highlighted in forensic reports had been reopened by MACC following new information that provided sufficient grounds to revisit them. “Six of the cases I announced involve new investigations, while the case involving Grand Park City is a continuation of an earlier probe,” he said. The seven cases are: 0 Dataran Aras Sdn Bhd – Felda acquired the company in 2011 for RM148.2 million for an oil palm plantation project in Limbang, Sarawak. However, the project encountered major problems as the land could not be utilised. 0 Grand Borneo Hotel Sdn Bhd – The acquisition of the Kota Kinabalu hotel for RM86.4 million was previously investigated by MACC in 2017 over possible irregularities in the purchase process and alleged overpayment, similar to investigations involving hotel acquisitions in London and Kuching. 0 Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites – The Kuching hotel was among several property transactions by FIC investigated by MACC. The probe eventually resulted in former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad being charged with nine corruption offences involving RM3.09 million in connection with the RM160 million hotel acquisition. 0 Park City Grand Plaza Kensington – The London hotel property was reopened for investigation by MACC in 2017 after new information emerged. An earlier investigation in 2015 had found no offences under the MACC Act. 0 Felda Wellness Corporation Sdn Bhd – The company’s establishment and management were flagged in Felda’s forensic review over alleged governance weaknesses and questionable transactions. 0 Felda House and Grand Felda House – The acquisition of the two student accommodation properties in Wembley, London, was among the FIC investments highlighted in

the Felda White Paper. 0 Kuala Lumpur Vertical City – The development on Felda-owned land along Jalan Semarak in Kuala Lumpur raised concerns over the transfer of land ownership and project governance. However, an MACC investigation in 2018 found no evidence of corruption or abuse of power in the land transfer agreement. Abd Halim said a separate, older investigation into the Park City Grand Plaza property remained ongoing and was currently subject to the Mutual Legal Assistance process. He also hinted that arrests could begin as early as next week and would be carried out in stages, depending on the scope and findings of the investigation. “However, the amount of alleged corruption involved had yet to be established as the investigation was still in its early stages.” Separately, Abd Halim said MACC had received information on Aug 24 concerning concerns over the quality of oil palm seedlings and the implementation of development and replanting programmes at Felda Palong 7. The information was submitted by the chairman of Pertubuhan Badan Bertindak Generasi Palong and involved a development programme said to benefit about 450 Felda settlers, including concerns over the supply and delivery of the seedlings. “MACC has given an assurance that its investigation into Felda’s management will be conducted thoroughly, fairly and professionally, in accordance with the rule of law,” Abd Halim said. He also urged all parties to allow the commission to carry out its duties without interference and refrain from speculation that could affect the investigation. He said the move was necessary to safeguard the interests of the country and those involved, while preserving Malaysia’s reputation and credibility.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from 12 individuals as part of its investigation into alleged corruption, abuse of power and misappropriation involving the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and its investment arm, Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC). MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the individuals were called up following the opening of six new investigation papers. The individuals comprise three FIC directors, an FIC secretary, two members of its legal division, a valuer, three representatives from a law firm, as well as officers from the Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office and the Kuala Lumpur Valuation and Property Services Department. He added that the investigations centred on allegations that several assets were purchased or acquired at prices above their assessed market value, resulting in financial losses to Felda. “The Special Operations Division began investigating the matter after receiving information on Aug 24. So far, 12 individuals have been called up and their statements recorded to assist the investigation,” he said at a press conference at the MACC headquarters yesterday. Abd Halim said seven Felda related cases previously investigated

Former minister remanded PETALING JAYA: A former minister has been remanded for five days as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigates issues raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH). Previously, a

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