MACC to probe Perak forest scandal claim

(FMT) – The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) today said it will investigate a complaint by a political party over an alleged forest land scandal in Perak.

MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said it was aware of an open letter alleging the involvement of Perak leaders.

“We received a complaint from Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) on the matter in Ipoh today involving a land scandal as written in the ‘surat karam’ letter spread on social media of late.

“The MACC will investigate this case and hopes that all parties will not comment further, to allow more space for the investigation to be carried out transparently and professionally,” he said in a statement.

Putra vice-president Hamidah Osman had lodged a report to the MACC regarding the matter, claiming that key water catchment forests were given to companies for purposes of forest farming and logging.

She also alleged that the lands were given to PPBM leaders and aides close to the Perak menteri besar.

In a statement, Perak menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu said he was aware of a MACC report lodged by Hamidah against him over the letter spread on social media and that he was willing to be investigated for any wrongdoing.

“I am personally ready to give full cooperation to MACC to carry out an investigation on the said report. This is in line with the rule of law principle upheld by the Perak state government.”