MACC raids four Penang agencies, three companies over undersea tunnel project

PETALING JAYA (Jan 9): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has raided four Penang state government agencies and three companies in relation to the proposed undersea tunnel project in the northern state, reported news outlets.

The Star, citing sources, said the agency had raided the offices of the Penang Public Works Department, Penang State Secretary, the Penang Office of Lands and Mines and the Penang Valuation and Property Services Department.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini — also citing sources — said the three companies raided were those involved in the project, Ewin-Zenith Sdn Bhd, 555 Capital Sdn Bhd, and Konsortium Zenith.

State secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus confirmed that MACC officers were present at the state economic development corporation’s office on Komtar’s 25th floor.

However, they only collected documents on the undersea tunnel project, and no arrests were made, he told Malaysiakini.

Berita Harian quoted MACC deputy chief Datuk Azam Baki said the offices were raided to facilitate investigations into the project, based on new evidence related to its construction that were submitted to the agency.

The RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel project will link the island at Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam on the mainland.