MACC investigating Perda

GEORGE TOWN: Investigations of the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) allegedly selling land under the market value are being conducted by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya.
Penang MACC director Datuk Abdul Aziz Aban said the probe was in the hands of the central office after a report on the matter was lodged in April this year.
"The investigation is opened and conducted by MACC headquarters," he said in a brief text message to theSun when asked about the progress of the probe.
The matter came to light in March this year after Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng shared documents of the deal with the media.
The documents purportedly shows Perda selling the Tok Keramat land for about RM1.43 million although the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) valued the total plots at some RM16.636 million.
Perda chairman and Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shahbudin Yahaya defended the transaction as the land was sold on the condition developers build low-cost and low-medium cost housing there.
Following the revelation, Penang Health, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin lodged a report with the MACC and his statement has since been recorded.
When contacted, Afif said the state was still waiting for further developments on the case and urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a thorough investigation.
"This involves the public interest, action must be taken," he said.