MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said they will be summoned in the next few days to assist with the investigation, Berita Harian reported.

The anti-graft agency had opened the investigation following complaints about bribery involving banking institution officials who allegedly facilitated and approved personal loan applications for a financial consultancy company.

“Based on financial records and statements obtained, these celebrities received payments ranging from RM150,000 to RM400,000 over one to two years for endorsing the firm.

“MACC has also identified payments made to sponsor concerts and commission custom-written songs on behalf of the syndicate,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.

At least 27 individuals, including eight company directors and 18 bank officers, have been arrested by MACC’s anti-money laundering division in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia.

Last week, Azam said the financial consultancy firm involved was suspected of manipulating turnaround times during the loan approval process by banks.

He said the company leveraged several public figures, including artistes and celebrities, as official ambassadors to promote its services.

Previously, it was reported that MACC had frozen RM22 million in assets in its investigation into the case, involving 98 bank accounts in six banks.

MACC is believed to have raided 24 locations, including residences and offices in the Klang Valley.