The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) is embarking on a full-scale investigation into a report of alleged corrupt practices against Fire and Rescue Department director-general Jaafar Sidek Tambi and senior officers, following two grand wedding receptions for his son last month.

Malaysiakini learnt that several ACA officers were sent today to the department's KL headquarters, Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara and Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to investigate the report lodged by deputy director Mohd Ali Tambi Chik.

A source said several firemen were simultaneously called in for questioning to the ACA headquarters in Putrajaya and its other offices in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Mohd Ali (photo) was among those contacted. Two ACA officers met him at his office from 10am to 5.15pm to question him and examine documents in his possession.

He had lodged the report a few days after the two wedding receptions on Sept 14 and 15 respectively.

Jaafar Sidek has denied all allegations, saying these were "baseless and exaggerated". He is currently abroad and is scheduled to return later this week.

Statement recorded

It is learnt that three ACA officers also quizzed Mohd Ali's immediate superior and department director Leonard Athanasius at his office in Jalan Maharajalela.

When contacted for confirmation, however, the ACA investigating officer refused to comment.

"They recorded a statement regarding my complaint about abuse of power by Jaafar Sidek in organising the wedding," Mohd Ali said when malaysiakini called him this evening.

"I am glad to have been able to assist the ACA in investigating this case. The way I look at it, I believe that ACA will not leave any stone unturned."

He felt it was likely that the probe would continue at the department's headquarters "due to the extent of corruption by senior officers".

The saga so far

The alleged scandal began with the wedding receptions for Jaafar Sidek's son, held at Stadium Juara and Renaissance Hotel, which were respectively attended by 5,000 and 600 guests.

Mohd Ali lodged a report with the ACA, alleging abuse of power because of the use of department facilities and staff in organising the events.

The matter was brought up in the Dewan Rakyat by opposition MP Mahfuz Omar about two weeks ago. However, Mohd Ali has denied providing him with information.

Last Thursday, police interrupted a meeting between Mohd Ali and four journalists at his Jalan Maharajalela office, where he was explaining the allegations he made.

It is understood that the police had responded to a call from Leonard that there was a "mad man" on the premises.

Yesterday, three department staff who were among those present at the media briefing originally called at the request of a Star journalist were summoned to the Dang Wangi police district headquaters to assist a separate investigation.

The trio had also been seen together with Mohd Ali, taking photographs at Stadium Juara while the wedding reception was in progress.