The Sabah MACC today summoned a businessperson with the title of ‘Datuk’  to help in the investigation on the misappropriation of rural development funds in the state.

According to sources, the businessperson was said to have at least seven companies under his control, including his own, which obtained contracts from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

Other than the seven companies, the businessperson also borrowed licences from his colleagues by paying involvement fees of RM30,000 for every licence.

“The aim of borrowing the licences is to fulfill limited tender qualifying conditions, namely, 10 companies for every project being applied,” said the source.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed that the individual had been summoned for his statement to be taken down but declined to comment further.

- Bernama