KUALA LUMPUR: A man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of involvement in corruption during heavy vehicle inspections at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the suspect was detained yesterday afternoon after being handed over by the Road Transport Department (RTD) after recording his statement at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
"A strategic cooperation between MACC and RTD has resulted in the arrest of an individual suspected of corruption.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had paid bribes amounting to several hundred ringgit per vehicle inspected in exchange for approving the inspection of heavy vehicles at Puspakom," MACC said in a statement yesterday.
It said the case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
"This arrest underscores the MACC and RTD's strong commitment to upholding the integrity of vehicle inspection processes, ensuring they remain free from corruption," the statement read.
MACC has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, particularly within enforcement sectors, to ensure that the country's public services remain transparent, trustworthy and highest integrity.
On Dec 30, 2024, a surprise RTD inspection at the Wangsa Maju Puspakom centre uncovered an unsafe vehicle that had passed inspection.
Officers also found several lorries with unsafe retread tyres awaiting inspection.
On Jan 2, Puspakom chief executive officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said four Puspakom employees from its Wangsa Maju branch were summoned by the RTD for questioning over allegations that a vehicle was approved despite not meeting standards.
Mahmood said only two staff were called up to give their statements.