The duo were earlier held by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to facilitate investigations into a power abuse and corruption case involving infrastructure projects worth RM3.3 billion.

They have since been released on bail.

Sukarti said the notices of suspension for the two senior officers were issued by the State Public Service Commission.

“The suspension for the director and deputy director is effective as of Oct 5th and 4th of this year respectively, the dates when the suspects were arrested,” he said in a statement here today.

Sukarti said under the suspension, both the suspects were prohibited from entering the department’s office or the premises of any other department in Sabah.

“The suspects are also not allowed to leave the state during this period of the investigation.”

The director was released from remand yesterday on a RM500,000 undeposited bail in two sureties, while the deputy director was released on RM500,000 bail in sureties at about 10am.