MACC takes seriously accusations of corruption and illegal land use in Cameron Highlands

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) takes a serious view of allegations of corruption in illegal land encroachment in Cameron Highlands, says its deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki.
Azam was responding to a report in a local vernacular daily which alleged that widespread corruption had led to the recurrence of land exploitation for the purpose of illegal farms.
"MACC will also not tolerate any parties involved with corruption or abuse of power that has caused the issue of illegal land encroachment to recur," he said in a statement issued today.
Azam said this should not be a recurring issue as the state governments can take immediate actions, such as when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did so during Ops Gading in 2014 to combat illegal land encroachment activities to prevent mud floods and landslides.
Muhyiddin, who was deputy prime minister then, resorted to this action following flooding and landslides that affected Ringlet, Bertam Valley and Kuala Terla.
The operation was launched to clear the highlands of illegal farms.
Azam urged state authorities to enforce the law to prevent further land encroachment.
"Legal action will be taken under the jurisdiction of MACC to tackle issue of corruption or abuse of power."
MACC has arrested 23 individuals and charged 11 for various offences related to illegal land encroachment in Cameron Highlands from 2015 to date.
The graft buster also urged members of the public with information on corruption, involving cases of land intrusion and illegal farms in Cameron Highlands, to report directly to the nearest MACC office.