The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified two additional companies suspected of securing data centre construction projects through bribery. This development follows the arrest of several project managers from prominent construction firms.
Sources indicate that several directors from these companies have also been identified and are expected to be called in to assist with the ongoing investigation.
It has emerged that the primary suspect, a project manager, admitted to demanding approximately 3% of the project value as a bribe from any company seeking to win contracts from the prominent construction firm.
It is understood that bribes were paid by leaking tender prices and ensuring that companies which paid were given preferential treatment during the selection process. Payments were reportedly made in stages, aligned with project milestones. Sources also noted that several million ringgit in agreed-upon bribes have yet to be paid by the company involved.
Previously, media reports revealed that a project manager from a leading construction company, under investigation for alleged involvement in a data centre project tender, attempted to destroy evidence by burning nearly RM1 million in cash. This desperate act took place after the suspect was caught off guard during a MACC raid in Petaling Jaya.
During the raid, MACC officials discovered RM100 banknotes amounting to almost RM1 million reduced to ashes. A thorough inspection of the residence revealed around RM7.5 million in cash hidden in pillow boxes, as well as luxury items. These items include Rolex, Omega, and Cartier watches, and various pieces of jewellery such as rings and gold coins.
Last Friday, the media reported that a contract manager, his wife, and two company directors – all aged between 40 and 60 – were arrested by the MACC Investigation Division across the Klang Valley. They are supposedly involved in a corruption case linked to the procurement of a data centre construction project in Johor valued at approximately RM180 million.
Bernama
