Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified two additional companies suspected of securing data centre construction projects by bribing a project manager from a prominent construction company who was recently arrested.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, several company directors have also been identified and will be summoned to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The investigation revealed that the primary suspect, the project manager, confessed to demanding about three per cent of the project value from any company seeking to secure a project from the construction firm. The bribe involved leaking tender prices and ensuring that the company paying the bribe was prioritized to win the tender.

The bribes were reportedly paid in stages, corresponding with the project’s payment progress, and several million more remain unpaid as per the agreement between the parties involved. Previously, reports indicated that the project manager attempted to destroy evidence by burning nearly RM1 million in cash after being surprised by an MACC raid, known as Op Ways, at his residence in Petaling Jaya.

During the raid, officers discovered RM100 banknotes totaling almost RM1 million in flames. Additionally, a detailed inspection of the home led to the discovery of approximately RM7.5 million in cash stored in various pillow boxes, alongside luxury items such as Rolex, Omega, and Cartier watches and jewelry, including rings and gold coins.

Further reports on Friday indicated that a contract manager, his wife, and two men aged between 40 and 60 were arrested by the MACC Investigation Division around the Klang Valley. They are believed to be involved in corruption related to a data centre construction project tender in Johor, valued at approximately RM180 million.