The deputy director-general was arrested yesterday at the MACC headquarters after providing a statement to the authorities.

Four others – a transport ministry divisional secretary and three directors from different shipping companies – were also arrested.

The suspects are aged between 35 and 54 years.

According to the source, the two senior civil servants had allegedly abused their power in giving special approvals to several shipping companies to transport heavy oils in Malaysian waters without the transport minister’s approval.

“Even the Marine Department director-general did not know the approvals were issued when he himself had previously issued letters barring the use of single hull, double bottom vessels from transporting heavy oils in Malaysian waters.”

These special approvals, the source said, had led to complaints from other shipping operators who had already switched to double hull, double bottom vessels.

“The use of double hull, double bottom vessels to transport heavy oils is in line with international standards to prevent pollution as a result of oil-spills and leakages.”

The source added the case is being investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act.

MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests but declined to comment further.

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