A director of the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) is among three individuals detained today and a bank account of RM2.9 million was impounded to assist an investigation into a corruption case and abuse of power.

According to a source from the MACC, the 60-year-old director and two owners of two companies, aged 39 and 50, were also detained at an MACC office.

The source said the MACC also seized cash totalling almost RM900,000 at the house of one of the company owners detained.

"The director is suspected to have received a sum of 10 percent of every project awarded by the DID in one state to contractors appointed between 2014 and 2017.

"The two individuals who are company owners are believed to have conspired with the director concerned.

"He (director) was also found to be leading a luxurious life from proceeds of the bribes received from contractors since 2014.

“It is learnt that investigations revealed the director had transferred part of the money received as bribes to several of his accounts as well as that of his relatives,” the source said.

Meanwhile, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki, when contacted, had confirmed the detention of all the suspects to assist in the investigation.

"The investigation was initiated after the MACC received a report on the alleged activities of the director.

"The investigation is still at the early stage and the investigating team is in the process of studying the documents seized to assist the investigation,” said Azam.

The three suspects detained will be remanded tomorrow to assist in the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

- Bernama