KOTA KINABALU: A former director of a state department has been arrested for allegedly taking RM1.2mil worth of bribes from two companies.

       The man in his 50s was arrested by investigators at the Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here at 10am yesterday, according to sources.

       They added that the suspect had demanded and received about RM1.2mil from two companies to get contracts for various services needed by the department.

       The sources said the alleged payments were made for various projects between 2017 and 2018 involving the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department.

       When contacted, Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy confirmed that they had arrested a former director of a state department. He said the case was being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

       Karunanithy did not rule out the possibility of the suspect being charged in court soon.