Bernama reported a MACC source as saying the man in his 50s was detained around 7pm yesterday when he went to provide a statement at MACC’s Bintulu branch office.

Effective until Jan 26, the remand order was issued by magistrate Galvin Loo after MACC made an application at the Bintulu magistrates’ court this morning.

“Preliminary investigations found that the suspect, who is also a community leader, is believed to have committed the offence between 2019 and 2023.

“The suspect is alleged to have misappropriated compensation funds provided by a logging company, which were meant to be distributed to the residents of a longhouse over a logging project carried out on their land,” said the source.

Sarawak MACC director Hasbilah Salleh confirmed the arrest, and said the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of power.

Hasbilah said MACC also seized approximately RM9,500 in cash and a mobile phone from the suspect.