Two Civil Servants Remanded as MACC Probes RM114,000 Fake Diesel Claims in Perlis
KANGAR: Two civil servants in Perlis have been remanded for five days to assist investigations into a case involving the certification of fraudulent diesel supply claims worth RM114,000, in what authorities believe to be a coordinated abuse of government procurement procedures.
The remand order, effective until February 14, was granted by the Magistrate’s Court in Kangar following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
According to sources, the suspects — aged 43 and 37 — hold the positions of Senior Administrative Assistant and Assistant Administrative Officer at a state government department. They are believed to have played a key role in approving payment claims despite the diesel supplies in question not being fully delivered.
Investigations indicate that the alleged misconduct took place over a two-year period, spanning 2023 and 2024, and involved two contractor companies suspected of submitting false claims for the supply and delivery of diesel fuel.
In 2023, the contractors allegedly submitted claims involving approximately 14,000 litres of diesel valued at over RM50,000. The following year saw a further 16,000 litres claimed, with an estimated value exceeding RM60,000. Authorities believe the claims were processed and approved as legitimate despite irregularities in the actual supply.
Suspected Abuse of Government Order Certification Process
Sources familiar with the probe said the two civil servants are suspected of certifying receipt of the diesel under government purchase orders, enabling payments to be released even though the supply had not been completed.
“The certification of receipt is believed to have been used as the basis for payment approval, despite the absence of full delivery,” the source said.
Investigators are examining whether the suspects knowingly used the contractor companies to facilitate the submission of fraudulent claims, suggesting possible collusion between internal officers and external parties.
Both suspects were detained after presenting themselves at the state MACC office at around 5pm yesterday to provide statements. They were subsequently brought before the court for remand proceedings.
The case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to submitting false information or documents with intent to mislead. The offence carries serious penalties upon conviction.
MACC officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests cannot be ruled out should evidence emerge linking additional individuals to the case.
-wilayah.com.my
