KOTA KINABALU: After being apprehended, a woman suspected of heading a syndicate that collected tens of thousands of ringgit from individuals applying for the people’s housing programme is now in custody.
Following her arrest, her two sons in their 20s were also taken into custody to aid in the investigation.
According to sources, the woman, who is in her 40s, was taken in for questioning when she appeared at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Sandakan office at 10.35pm on Friday (Feb 2).
The syndicate has been demanding RM10,000 from each applicant since last year, claiming it would “smooth out” their applications for the people’s housing scheme, as per the same sources.
Sabah MACC director Datuk S Karunanithy confirmed the detention of three individuals under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for accepting gratification when contacted on Saturday (Feb 3).
He encouraged those who have been victimized by such syndicates to reach out to the commission and assist in the investigation.
In September last year, the Chief Minister’s office cautioned the public to be vigilant against scams related to job openings and free houses on social media.
