In a dramatic twist to a corruption investigation, a project manager from a prominent Malaysian construction firm attempted to destroy nearly RM1 million in cash by setting it on fire during a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raid. The suspect, who was being investigated over a data centre construction tender, allegedly panicked upon the arrival of enforcement officers and tried to burn stacks of RM100 notes inside the bathroom of his Petaling Jaya home.
MACC officers, who conducted the raid on Thursday, were greeted by thick smoke upon entering the suspect’s residence. Inside the bathroom, they discovered smouldering bundles of cash – estimated to total close to RM1 million – which had been partially burned in a desperate attempt to destroy evidence.
Lavish Wealth and More Cash Uncovered
Beyond the charred money, officers uncovered a staggering RM7.5 million in unburned cash stored inside pillow boxes. The raid also turned up luxury items including a Rolex, Omega, and Cartier watch, along with jewellery such as gold coins and rings. All items were seized under anti-corruption laws for further investigation.
While the attempted destruction of evidence is already serious, this case has shed light on the sheer scale of illicit gains potentially amassed through corrupt dealings in public sector projects. The data centre tender in question is part of a larger investigation, with several individuals, including senior personnel, already remanded.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations), Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, confirmed the incident and emphasised that such attempts to tamper with evidence constitute a serious offence. Under Section 201 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, the suspect may face up to seven years in jail and a fine if convicted.
Focus Shifts to Bribery and Corporate Accountability
While the suspect’s attempt to destroy evidence is being investigated separately, the core probe is focused on bribery and corporate misconduct under Section 16 and Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. These sections address the giving and receiving of bribes and hold corporations accountable for failing to prevent corruption within their organisations.
The MACC has been intensifying its crackdown on corruption within government-linked infrastructure and digital projects, particularly those tied to large-scale digitalisation initiatives such as data centres, smart city systems, and national connectivity rollouts.
Public Sector Corruption Still Rampant?
This case is a stark reminder of the corruption that continues to plague high-value infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, often involving public funds and foreign investment. The staggering amount of cash involved raises questions about the extent of bribery and the mechanisms by which illicit funds are laundered or concealed.
While this latest incident has captured headlines due to the suspect’s shocking attempt to burn money, it also underscores a growing sense of urgency among enforcement agencies to combat white-collar crime in the digital economy sector—a segment that continues to grow rapidly across ASEAN.
As authorities deepen their investigations, more revelations are expected to surface. The public, meanwhile, is watching closely to see if this case will mark a turning point in how Malaysia enforces its anti-corruption agenda, especially in high-stakes corporate sectors.
Image Source: The Star