GEORGE TOWN: Several state government offices in Komtar, involved in the proposed Penang undersea tunnel project, were raided by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission today.
MACC also raided several companies with connection to the project in the operation which began at 9am.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the raids were conducted to assist investigation into the multi-billion ringgit project, which will connect Gurney Drive on Penang island and Bagan Ajam on the mainland.
He said they would look through all the documents seized to ensure a more comprehensive and thorough investigation into the matter.
“We have taken all related documents to assist us in our investigation following arising issues into the project.
“The raids are conducted following new leads received on the project,” he said when contacted this afternoon.
It is learnt that the MACC raided the state Secretary Office, the state Public Works Department, the state Valuation Department and the state Lands and Mines Department here.
The private companies raided included Ewin-Zenith Sdn Bhd, 555 Capital Sdn Bhd, and Consortium Zenith.
However, when contacted by the New Straits Times, Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd senior executive director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli denied any knowledge that the company was raided.
Last July, Parti Cinta Malaysia’s Datuk Huan Cheng Guan had submitted evidence of malfeasance related to the tunnel project.
Huan again presented new evidence to the MACC to aid its probe last week.
The 7.2km undersea tunnel is part of the RM6.3 billion project undertaken by Consortium Zenith. The project also included three paired roads.
The project had raised numerous controversies in recent months, especially on the high cost of RM305 million for feasibility studies as well as the 21-month delay in completing it.