THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday arrested a senior Kedah government officer to facilitate investigations into allegations of corruption and misuse of power regarding illegal rare earth elements (REE) mining in the state.

An MACC source said the man, in his 50s, was detained at 8pm at the MACC office in Alor Star after he was suspected of soliciting bribes amounting to almost RM1 million from a company owner.

The suspect has been remanded for three days from today.

MACC senior investigations director Hishamuddin Hashim, who confirmed the arrest, said the case is being investigated under sections 17 and 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

Prior to this, it was reported that MACC arrested a senior officer of Kedah Menteri Besar Inc and a woman director of a company to assist in investigations in connection with corruption and abuse of power in REE mining activities in the state, allegedly involving bribes totalling more than RM13 million.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki on July 20 said the anti-graft agency had recorded statements from 12 people over the case. – Bernama, July 24, 2023.