The suspect is said to have used his position as director at the college in Tawau between 2017 and 2018 to approve RM6,000 in airline tickets for his wife and children who were not eligible to enjoy such benefits.

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source said he and his family flew to Kuala Lumpur various times under the justification for work.

The suspect, who is now working in Kuala Lumpur, was only eligible to claim for his own flight ticket once a year, and strictly for official business.

The man was detained by MACC officers when he came to provide his statement at their office in Kuala Lumpur at 9am yesterday.

Sabah MACC chief S Karunanithy, who confirmed the arrest, said the man is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. He has been released on MACC bond with one surety.

Karunanithy said the suspect would be charged in a Tawau court on Feb 24.