According to an MACC source, the two suspects, in their 50s, were detained at about 11am today when they turned up at the Sabah MACC office to have their statements recorded, Bernama reported.

“Initial investigations found that the suspects had submitted two claims containing false particulars under the SMI assistance programme to the industrial development and research department in 2022 and 2023.

“One of the claims was for the supply of machines and entrepreneurs’ equipment worth over RM400,000. The other involved MeSTI, My Food and halal certification services worth over RM3.2 million,” the source said.

Sabah MACC director S Karunanithy, when contacted, confirmed the arrests.

He said both suspects had been released after posting bail and would be charged at the Kota Kinabalu special corruption court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Selangor MACC detained a company director for allegedly submitting documents containing false details involving travel claims and the purchase of air conditioners amounting to about RM33,000.

The female suspect, in her 50s, was detained at about 1pm today when she turned up at the MACC office to give her statement.

The suspect is believed to have committed the offence between 2022 and 2023.

Selangor MACC deputy director Khairul Izwan Karim confirmed the arrest and said the woman would be charged at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court tomorrow.