Kuala lumpur: The director-general and a senior officer from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) are slated to appear in court next week on charges related to the alleged misappropriation of RM900,000. This announcement comes amidst a corruption investigation spearheaded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that the court proceedings are expected to take place on either Wednesday or Thursday. This development follows the arrest of the two senior officers on February 11, under suspicion of conspiring to misappropriate funds for their personal use.

In a related update, Azam Baki stated that MACC has successfully recovered over 70 percent of the assets related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal. The recovered sum amounts to RM30 billion out of a total RM42 billion, marking one of the highest recovery rates globally, compared to the international average, which is below 30 percent.

Furthermore, the government, through MACC efforts, has successfully repatriated four artworks worth nearly RM800,000. These artworks, allegedly purchased using misappropriated 1MDB funds, have been brought back from auction house Christie's in the United States, with efforts underway to recover an additional seven pieces.

On Tuesday, MACC confirmed the return of the artworks, which include "Composition" (1953) by Joan Mir³, "Maison de rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, Rue St. Vincent, Montmartre" (1934) by Maurice Utrillo, "Etude pour femme couch©e" (1948) by Balthus, and "L'Ecuyere et les clowns" (1961) by Pablo Picasso. These artworks are currently held in a secure location to ensure their preservation.

The National Visual Arts Development Board will oversee the unsealing, verification, and further valuation of the recovered pieces to ensure their authenticity and value.