MACC nod to reconsider orders on frozen accounts

comments     Bernama     Published     Updated

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has agreed to reconsider, vary or revoke the orders to freeze the accounts of individuals and companies suspected to be involved in illegal loggings in Sarawak.

Chief Minister Adenan Satem said in Sibu today he had requested the commission to do so on the grounds that the companies had thousands of workers that needed to be paid.

He also said some of the companies and individuals were only remotely associated with the alleged offences.

“Because if this thing goes on and thousands of workers are not paid and the activities of the companies are put on hold, it will affect the local economy.

“They have agreed to reconsider and if necessary, if it is justified, they can revoke or vary the order. I thank them for that,” he told a news conference in Sibu after being briefed by MACC deputy chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull on the progress of ‘Ops Gergaji’ to combat illegal logging in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Shukri ( photo ) said there were 519 bank accounts frozen at the moment and due to the large scale of the operation, MACC needed some time to investigate.

“Normally, under ordinary circumstances it will take us one to two months to check the account but we will try to expedite the investigation.

“And if the companies truly did not involve in the illegal logging, we will vary or revoke the orders as soon as possible,” he said.

On that matter, Adenan said the individuals and companies could meet their local MACC officials for a discussion.

As of yesterday, Ops Gergaji that involved 400 personnel from four enforcement agencies, saw the accounts of 519 companies and individuals, involving a total value of almost RM700 million, frozen.

Simultaneous raids at 49 locations in Kuching, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Bakun and Miri were conducted during the operation.

- Bernama



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