MACC has detained another businessperson with the honorific title ‘Datuk’ for allegedly receiving RM3 million to stop investigations on the RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel mega project in Penang.

A source close to the investigations said the 64-year-old suspect was picked up in the federal capital at about 3.30pm yesterday.

The man was believed to have received the money from a company as an inducement to ‘settle’ the MACC investigation into the project.

According to the source, the man had allegedly requested RM4 million as his ‘share’ to cover the case.

“However, the amount was reduced to RM3 million following negotiations…the company, which was confident that the problem could be resolved by the suspect, had paid the sum as the (the suspect's) share,” said the source.

Meanwhile, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed the arrest.

He said the suspect would be taken to the Putrajaya court tomorrow to obtain remand.

Last Tuesday, the MACC detained a businessman with the honorific title ‘Datuk Seri’ for allegedly receiving RM19 million to halt investigations into the project.

MACC had also frozen RM3.6 million in the man’s four accounts, as well as impounded four luxury vehicles – Toyota Vellfire, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover and Hyundai Starex – valued at approximately RM1.3 million and seized three television sets worth RM167,900.

- Bernama