Johor exco member Abdul Latif Bandi has been arrested in relation to a probe concerning housing and land issues.

He was arrested at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Johor Baru where he was being questioned this morning.

The case is investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act and Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

"We urge against any speculation and guarantee that the investigation will be done in a transparent manner," said the commission in a media statement.

Previously, MACC arrested six individuals over allegations of graft involving the conversion of bumiputera land titles.

Among others, MACC arrested Abd Latif's son and the exco member's special officer. MACC also seized 26 luxury vehicles and froze 45 bank accounts in connection with the case.

Abd Latif went on indefinite leave last Wednesday.

MB: We are sympathetic

Commenting on the arrest, Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin said he would leave the matter to MACC.

"We are sympathetic. But we will leave it to MACC. That is my comment," he said when met after the Johor legislative assembly sitting in Johor Baru.

To another question if the arrest would affect Johor Umno, he replied: "No need to ask..."

Khaled, when asked about the arrest of a Johor division youth chief, said it was not related to this matter.

The Johor division youth chief and a woman were yesterday remanded for allegedly defrauding hopeful home buyers in an affordable home scheme.

Please be cautious

Responding to the Johor division youth chief case, Jais Sarday, who is taking over the housing portfolio from Abd Latif, urged the public to exercise caution.

"People either don't know the procedure or are not bothered or too shy to deal directly with the state secretariat.

"I urge those who want to purchase homes to check how to apply for it (directly with the state) online.

"They can also send their complaints to the exco in charge of housing (Jais) via WhatsApp," he said at the Johor legislative assembly building, adding that the WhatsApp method will be ready in two weeks.

He added an independent panel will be formed to review the bumiputera land title issue.

The panel will also include developers, he said.

"We will know the outcome of the policy when it comes to changing bumiputera land title in a week or two. We will study this," he told reporters.