PETALING JAYA: Sixteen company directors have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on suspicion of being involved in the misappropriation of the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds.
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Bernama quoted an MACC source as saying the suspects were detained in a large-scale operation in the Klang Valley last night.
An agency under the national unity ministry tasked with allocating grants to groups implementing socio-economic programmes for the Indian community, Mitra has come under the spotlight following claims that its funds had been mishandled.
This has led to calls by MPs and NGOs for greater accountability and transparency.
The source estimated that tens of millions had been siphoned off by a group.
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“We estimate that almost 60% of the grant allocation received by companies, individuals and foundations for the purpose of implementing socio-economic development programmes does not reach the proper target group,” the source said.
“This allocation was applied from Mitra and then misappropriated for the benefit of certain individuals.”
MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed the arrests with Bernama and said that investigations were being held under Section 16 (a) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 68, will be brought to the Putrajaya magistrates’ court today for a remand hearing.-FMT