An MACC source said this followed claims that the tycoon, who manages a Singaporean company, had “funded a corruption scandal” involving Tei and several Sabah Umno leaders.

“MACC has launched an investigation to confirm this information,” the source said.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the probe and said several witnesses would be summoned soon to assist in the investigation.

On Monday, Tei claimed trial to two charges of giving a total of RM350,000 in bribes related to mineral prospecting licence applications in Sabah to two assemblymen.

He is accused of giving RM150,000 and RM200,000 in bribes to assistant state industrial development and entrepreneurship minister Andi Suryady Bandy of Sabah Umno and Sindumin assemblyman Dr Yusof Yacob, respectively.

The assemblymen also claimed trial to accepting the bribes.

The Sabah mining scandal surfaced last year following the leak of several videos purportedly showing discussions involving bribery and misconduct related to mineral exploration projects in the state.