According to sources close to the investigation, the 55-year-old man was detained about 2pm Monday.

The sources also said the suspect was believed to have asked for bribes for the projects that are linked to the local authorities.

“In addition, MACC had also frozen the suspect’s bank account with millions of ringgit.

“Following the arrest, MACC is expected to detain several other individuals in connection with this case (soon),” the sources told Bernama.

Meanwhile, in Johor, MACC arrested an assistant officer of a district land office in Johor today for allegedly abusing his power to obtain land under other land offices in the state.

The sources said the suspect, in his 50s, was detained about 2pm at the Johor MACC office.

It was learnt that the civil servant had also used his position to acquire land via the transfer process.

Investigations revealed the suspect owned several plots of agricultural land totalling 6.7 hectares, joint venture lands of 27.5 hectares, residential lands and luxury homes at several districts in the state, said the sources.

The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

Johor MACC director Simi Abdul Ghani, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect was expected to be remanded tomorrow.