PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained six days remand for four individuals, including a man with 'Datuk' title, to assist in investigation into misappropriation of government fund.
The remand order which begins today until Sept 19 was issued by agistrate Magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman.
The four arrived at the magistrate's court here at 10.35am, clad in MACC lock-up attire and handcuffed.
A MACC spokesperson said they were detained under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting and accepting bribe.
The four were arrested at several locations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday for alleged involvement in the embezzlement of fund which was allocated for the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK).
The suspects are 58-year-old 'Datuk' who is PTPK Chief Executive, PTPK Secretary, 34, PTPK Assistant Finance Officer, 32, and a director of a company who has a 'Doctorate' title.
All of them were arrested between 4.30pm and 6pm in an operation by MACC.
They were believed to have abetted the 38-year-old director to embezzle funds totalling up to RM40 million allocated by the federal government between 2016 and 2017, to provide skill training programme for those who don't have a job.
Preliminary investigation showed that they had embezzled funds of RM15 million in 2016 and RM25 million this year.
The three PTPK officers had approved 15 companies owned by the director to conduct training programmes.
MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki yesterday confirmed the arrest, stating that the commission was currently gathering documents related to the embezzlement.
Azam who did not deny that more people may be arrested to assist in the investigation, said more witnesses would be called up to have their statements recorded.
The PTPK was established in June 2006 under the Skills Development Fund Act 2004 (Act 640) to manage the Skills Development Fund which was previously run by Skills Development Fund Division under the Human Resources Ministry.