MACC ready to probe alleged RM2.1b overspending by Rural and Regional Development Ministry if complaint received

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the commission only learned of the matter through media reports and has not received any official complaint concerning the allegations to date. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 1:15 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not yet received any official complaint regarding allegations of RM2.1 billion in excess spending by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the commission only learned of the matter through media reports and has not received any official complaint concerning the allegations to date.

“We have only read about it in the mass media. There is nothing official yet. Therefore, I do not think it is appropriate for me to comment.

“Once the matter is officially reported to us, we will certainly step in (to investigate),” he said during a press conference following the MACC’s 59th Anniversary Celebration and Monthly Assembly (No. 4/2026) here today.

Yesterday, the media reported that DAP advisor Lim Guan Eng had urged the MACC to take action against the ministry regarding the alleged RM2.1 billion in excess spending.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, was reported as saying that the ministry would not spend beyond the amount approved by the government, in fact the ministry's expenditure is based on the allocations stated in the budget or the amounts approved by the government. — Bernama