THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated investigations into the alleged embezzlement of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission funds, amounting to RM25 million.

An MACC source said a National Film Development Corporation (Finas) senior officer is suspected of being involved in the alleged embezzlement of the funds, which had been approved for the implementation of projects under the 1Malaysia Negaraku programme.

There were some 10 projects, and preliminary investigations revealed that the senior officer was involved in almost all of them.

Bernama was told that the senior officer, who managed the procurement and payment process at Finas for the projects, was authorised to sign offer letters to companies appointed by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

“The senior officer was directed to use the MCMC funds to implement the projects.

“The senior officer is also said to have collaborated with the companies by approving payments for projects that were not implemented,” said the source.

He said MACC today went to the firms involved to collect documents as part of its probe.

Statements have also been recorded from four individuals, including the Finas director-general and MCMC officers.

The source said 70 individuals have been identified to assist in the investigations.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki confirmed the probe, but declined to elaborate. – Bernama, July 3, 2018.