(Photo courtesy of the MACC)

KUALA LUMPUR (June 25): The chief executive officer of a highway concessionaire in the Klang Valley and seven others have been arrested for alleged bribery in connection with two highway projects worth RM1.67 billion, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) sources.

Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas), meanwhile, said it is "aware that our personnel have been remanded by MACC to assist in an ongoing investigation relating to a construction case".

Confirming the arrests on Tuesday, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.

According to the MACC sources, the CEO, who has a Datuk title, and two other senior officials of the concessionaire have been remanded for four days until June 28. Meanwhile, five others — from a different company — have been remanded for three days until June 27.

The remand order was issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin following an application by the MACC at the Magistrate's Court in Putrajaya on Tuesday.

"The three suspects from the highway concessionaire are suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes from the owners of the [other] company in return for securing contracts to take over construction works previously awarded to another company worth over RM1 billion,” said the sources.

"Additionally, they are believed to have solicited and accepted bribes related to the construction of another section of a highway project in the Klang Valley valued at approximately RM670 million,” the sources added.

In a statement, Prolintas said: "We are committed and are working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure full cooperation in facilitating the investigation.

"Prolintas continues to be committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and corporate governance."

Prolintas operates several highways in the Klang Valley, including the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK), Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) and Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).