“This was the method used to transfer the money, and the accountant had been doing this for the past eight years,” the rural and regional development minister said.

“I am taking a strong stand and I will not compromise on this issue as it involves taxpayers’ money.”

Zahid, who was speaking to the media at an anti-sexual harassment advocacy roadshow at a hotel here, said the money was supposed to be used by Kesedar’s settlers.

“Instead, it was used by the individual for his own benefit,” he said.

The 37-year-old suspect has been remanded for a week and the case is being investigated under Section 408 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust (CBT).

Initial police investigations found that the man had made 194 transactions since 2016 and transferred a total of RM24,800,189.73 from Kesedar’s account to the account of a company he owned.

Kesedar is an agency under Zahid’s ministry.

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