Sabah MACC smashes syndicate issuing certificates for contractors

 By Olivia Miwil - January 11, 2021 @ 9:04pm

Sabah MACC has crippled a syndicate which specialised in issuing certificates for contractors to help them obtain the necessary credentials to secure jobs. - File pic

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has crippled a syndicate which specialised in issuing certificates for contractors to help them obtain the necessary credentials to secure jobs.

Sources said the certificates include those for Sabah contract works, supplies and services, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) as well as those involving companies' Bumiputera status.

The syndicate, said a source, had been operating for about a year.

"Applicants only have to pay a bribe of between RM500 and RM1,500 to an officer at a certain agency to expedite the issuance of these documents without having to undergo the necessary inspections," said the source.

It is understood that Sabah MACC this afternoon detained four people, including an assistant director at a federal government agency and three civilians acting as runners, in connection with the syndicate's activities.

Sabah MACC director S. Karunanithy confirmed the arrests. It is understood that more arrests could be made soon.

He also advised contractors who have information on the syndicate's activities to come forward and assist the investigation.