Probe Into Mitra Funds Almost Complete Says Macc

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MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation reports will be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) to determine the next course of action. - NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAADKUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is about to complete investigations into 10 companies involved in the embezzlement of Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation reports will be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) to determine the next course of action.
"Investigations are still ongoing because we have to verify whether companies who received grants from Mitra have actually carried out the activities (as they claimed).
"MACC will also set up a joint task force with the National Unity and Integration Department to verify the authenticity of the remaining reports," he said, during a press conference at the Muzium Negara MRT Station, here, today.
Earlier today, Azam launched an anti-corruption awareness campaign in public transport - a joint initiative between MACC and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) – to promote integrity and accountability among commuters.
On Oct 26, MACC nabbed 16 company directors on suspicion of being involved in the misappropriation of Mitra funds allocated for socio-economic programmes for the Indian community.
Following the arrest, MACC is reviewing all funding grants (worth of RM203 million) awarded by Mitra to 337 companies, associations and non-governmental organisations between 2019 and 2021.
During the investigations, Azam said, MACC also found that the government procedure of rolling out grants is riddled with many loopholes.
The commission, he said, will deliberate with the related ministries to plug the gaps and improve their delivery systems.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 16(a) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. - NST

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