MACC finds no graft in KL retention pond probe, tells DBKL to step up monitoring

KUALA LUMPUR (May 15): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reminded Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to tighten monitoring of development projects near flood retention ponds in the federal capital.

MACC senior investigations director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar said the reminder was issued in 2023 after investigations into the approval of development projects near the ponds found no elements of corruption.

He said that if there were any breach of conditions or developments that impaired the function of the retention ponds, it was the responsibility of the local authority to take action and provide clarification.

"This is because the aspects of monitoring, regulation and development approvals fall under the jurisdiction of DBKL to ensure all set conditions and specifications are fully complied with by contractors," he said in a statement on Friday.

The MACC had previously investigated allegations of misappropriation and abuse of power in the approval of several development projects, which were said to have affected the functioning of flood retention ponds in Kuala Lumpur.

Mohd Hafaz said in 2022, the MACC opened a follow-up investigation paper after receiving complaints involving several officers from DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for the period from 2015 to 2021.

"Among the allegations investigated was the conversion of the status of several areas near flood retention ponds in the capital, including in Taman Wahyu, for development purposes.

"The MACC conducted a thorough investigation based on the documents and statements obtained, before the investigation paper was completed in 2023 and referred to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP), who decided on ‘no further action’ (NFA) as no elements of corruption were identified," he said.

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