KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has widened its investigation into a milk powder supplier believed to have monopolised government tenders, with sources confirming that the probe now includes possible involvement in other serious offences, such as money laundering and related financial crimes.
According to a source familiar with the matter, investigators are scrutinising every angle of the case to determine if the company’s operations extend beyond corruption and tender manipulation.
Updates on the expanded scope of the investigation are expected to be revealed to the public soon.
The company, allegedly run by a husband, wife and their child as shareholders, is believed to have manipulated tender prices by 10 to 50 percent in contracts awarded to a government department.
Products supplied under the RM120 million deal reportedly failed to meet SIRIM quality standards.
“The investigation is focused not just on corruption, but also on tax evasion, monopolistic practices, and now includes the possibility of money laundering and other economic crimes,” said the source.
The MACC is also reviewing the company’s internal structure and its links with other distributors in the supply chain, amid suspicions that delivery zone pricing was inflated to increase profits unjustifiably.
So far, RM174.6 million across 75 bank accounts comprising 24 individual and 51 company accounts have been frozen. Authorities have also seized various documents, mobile devices, laptops, and financial records related to the case.
Investigators have already questioned 10 witnesses, with another family member expected to be summoned early next week. No arrests have been made yet.
“Investigations are ongoing, including into the government department that awarded the tender,” the source added.
The case continues to draw public attention as authorities work to unravel the full extent of potential misconduct. -MalayaDailyToday
