The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested four Felda top officials over alleged abuse of power related to a RM47.6 million sturgeon farm project in Pahang.

The detainees included a 'Datuk' who is a general manager, 57, a deputy director-general, 53, a top officer at Felda London Properties, 38 and an officer in charge of the sturgeon project, age 30.

According to a statement by the MACC, the four were picked up between 11.10am to 1.30pm today around Klang Valley and would be sent to the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court for remand hearing tomorrow.

MACC investigations director Simi Abd Ghani confirmed the arrest and added that the commission also confiscated documents related to the project to assist in investigations.

The four allegedly abused their positions to approve a technology transfer deal for the sturgeon rearing project since 2014, without the approval of the Felda board of directors for personal benefit.

It was understood that the sturgeon project was first discussed to the board in 2013, and the 53-year old deputy director-general was tasked with compiling a detailed report regarding the project to be presented at a later date.

Abuse of power

According to the MACC, the suspect, without the knowledge of the board and the legal and financial divisions, has set up Felda Carviative Sdn Bhd (FCSB) in January 2014 and signed a technology transfer deal on sturgeon farming worth RM47.6 million with a South Korean firm.

This, despite the project having not been approved by the Pahang Department of Environment. Meanwhile, payments to the Korean firm started just a week after FCSB's formation.

The suspect allegedly abused his control over the financial division to approve payment of the RM47.6 million from Felda funds without board approval.

The deal includes technology transfer as well as a design and build agreement for the sturgeon farms and was allegedly sign by the Datuk and the deputy director-general, both of whom sit on the FCSB board.

The arrests is the latest in a series of MACC arrests against government officials and GLC staff members.

Previously, the anti-graft body had picked up a ministry secretary-general confiscating millions in gold bars and cash, fresh from its arrests of several individuals linked to alleged graft with millions in cash seized.

Probe Felda's board

Meanwhile, the National Felda Settlers' Children Association (Anak) lauded the arrests, noting that it had last month lodged reports with the MACC against alleged mismanagmeent in Felda that was highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report.

Anak president Mazlan Aliman urged the authorities to probe all those involved, including those in the highest echelon.

"This is important because the project was discussed and decided during the Felda board meeting and surely instructions came from the most senior Felda personnels," he said.

Mazlan added that Anak is also prepared to cooperate with the MACC if it could assist in the investigation.