An MACC source said the suspect in his 40s had submitted the application to the human resources ministry’s labour department in 2022.

His application was supported by 25 false employment contracts which amounted to RM77 million, said the source.

“Preliminary investigations found that seven directors of four other companies were also involved,” he said.

The man was arrested at 6pm yesterday after giving a statement at the MACC headquarters. The Putrajaya magistrates’ court then issued a seven-day remand order.

When contacted, MACC special operations division senior director Azmi Kamaruzaman confirmed the arrest and said the case is being probed under Section 16 of the MACC Act.

He added that the graft busters were tracking down several more individuals to assist in the probe.