MACC says no Johor state officials or agencies linked to RM1.6m housing-lot probe

PETALING JAYA (Sept 9): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has said no Johor state executive councillor, state government officer or agency is linked to its investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power involving applications for housing lots at Felda Tenggaroh 2 in Mersing.

The clarification followed the detention on Monday (Sept 7) of the chairman of the 2nd Generation Housing Site Action Committee at Felda Tenggaroh 2, according to reports by Bernama, The Star and other local media.

The man, in his 40s, is alleged to have abused his position between 2016 and 2025 by soliciting about RM4,000 from each of about 400 applicants for housing lots, involving about RM1.6 million in total, according to reports by The Edge Malaysia and other media.

MACC urged the public not to speculate or circulate inaccurate information linking the case to any Johor state executive councillor, government officer or agency.

Investigators also alleged that the money was diverted for personal use through withdrawals from the committee’s bank account supported by false invoices, according to media reports.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the commission would conduct its investigation professionally, independently and transparently, and would not compromise on corruption or abuse of power.

Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor was also reported as saying that the state government would not tolerate attempts to exploit, deceive or abuse positions of trust for personal gain in matters involving public housing.

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