This followed a claim by a woman who was found guilty of running an unregistered private dental clinic that her “business” had been approved and supported by the health ministry.

Nur Farahanis Ezatty Adli, 20, was fined RM70,000 by the Melaka Sessions Court on Sept 29 in default of six months’ jail. Although she did not pay the fine, she was released from prison after serving only six days after several NGOs raised the money for it.

Following this, she thanked Hilmi and his private secretary Aziaan Ariffin for their help.

Bukit Mertajam DAP Youth chief Joshua Woo Sze Zeng said a report was lodged today at the Penang MACC headquarters.

“We want MACC to remand Hilmi for five days. He should expect a remand at any time for today,” he told FMT.

Woo also accused Hilmi of abusing his position, which is an offence under Section 28 of the MACC Act 2009.

He added that Penang state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh was previously arrested under the same law for allegedly sending two appeal letters against action on an illegal carbon filter factory in Bukit Mertajam two months ago.

He said he hoped MACC would be impartial and issue a remand order for the deputy minister in addition to interviewing his colleagues.