KOTA KINABALU: Nineteen contractors have been arrested for allegedly utilizing false bank statements of their bid to safe tasks value RM49mil from the Sabah Education Department.
The suspects – 10 males and 9 girls – aged between 24 and 53, have been held on the state (*19*) Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) workplace at 10am yesterday.
Sources stated their bank statements have been believed to have been falsified to replicate sturdy monetary positions of their bid to safe contracts within the state.
When contacted, Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy confirmed the arrests and that the suspects can be investigated below Section 18 of the MACC Act and Section 471 of the Penal Code for forgery, whereas including, “We hope to charge the suspects in court soon.”
Karunanithy stated falsification of bank statements was a major problem within the state.
“There is a need for local contractors to be made aware that it is an offence to falsify documents to secure tenders,” he stated.
In 2020, Sabah MACC arrested 39 contractors who falsified their bank statements to acquire tenders for RM80mil value of presidency contracts.
He stated final 12 months, 132 contractors have been charged in courtroom in reference to falsifying paperwork.
“We view this matter seriously and have put in place some preventive measures to address the issue,” he stated.
In August 2020, Karunanithy stated MACC, in collaboration with the state Finance Ministry, held dialogues with contractors by means of an integrity seminar.
On March 27 final 12 months, an Anti-Corruption Forum – The Role of Contractors in Overcoming Graft – was carried out collectively with the Tawau Municipal Council and Construction Industry Development Board.
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