MACC Begins Information-Gathering Exercise Over Alleged Illegal Four-Storey Building in Hulu Langat
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun gathering information regarding allegations surrounding a four-storey building believed to have been constructed illegally in Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman said the commission is aware of the controversy circulating on social media and will first conduct a preliminary information-gathering process before deciding whether a formal investigation is warranted.
According to him, obtaining and verifying relevant facts is a necessary first step to determine whether there are any elements of misconduct, abuse of power or regulatory breaches that may fall within the commission’s jurisdiction.
“We have taken note of the matter. The commission will collect the necessary information as part of our preliminary assessment process,” he said when contacted today.
The issue gained widespread attention after claims emerged online that a four-storey building resembling an apartment block had been built illegally by members of the Rohingya community in a remote area of Sungai Tekali.
Public interest intensified after radio presenter and actor Azad Jasmin uploaded a video showing the structure during a visit to the area. The footage quickly went viral, prompting widespread discussion regarding the building’s legality and how such a structure could have existed without attracting greater scrutiny.
The controversy subsequently drew the attention of anti-corruption watchdog groups and members of the public, many of whom called for a comprehensive investigation involving multiple government agencies.
Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim urged MACC and other enforcement authorities to examine the matter thoroughly and provide clarity on the building’s legal status.
He argued that questions remain unanswered despite reports that the premises had previously been targeted during an integrated enforcement operation conducted by the Immigration Department in February last year.
That operation reportedly resulted in the detention of dozens of foreign nationals believed to be residing in the area. However, little information has since been made public regarding the ownership, approval status or future of the building itself.
Jais said agencies including the District Office, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police should work together to establish the facts surrounding the structure and any potential violations of existing laws and regulations.
He also stressed the importance of transparency, arguing that public disclosure of the building’s actual status would help prevent speculation and reduce the risk of racial tension arising from misinformation.
Observers have noted that the issue extends beyond immigration concerns and raises broader questions about planning approvals, land use compliance, building safety and enforcement oversight.
Several parties have called for the matter to be handled professionally and objectively, emphasising that any investigation should be based on evidence rather than public sentiment.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the ownership of the land, whether development approvals were granted or who was responsible for constructing the building.
With public attention continuing to grow, MACC’s decision to begin collecting information is viewed as an important step toward establishing the facts and determining whether further enforcement or legal action may be necessary.
The outcome of the preliminary assessment is expected to play a key role in addressing public concerns and clarifying the circumstances surrounding one of the most widely discussed local issues in recent weeks.
