PUTRAJAYA: An undersecretary of a Selangor state government agency has been remanded in connection with investigations into a project cartel syndicate involving projects worth millions of ringgit.

       Magistrate Shah Wira Abdul Halim issued a remander order for rhe 42-year-old suspect to be detained for five days from Monday (July 26).

       It was learnt that the suspect was allegedly involved in the activities of the cartel when he held the post of deputy president of a district council from 2015 until last year.

       The suspect was arrested on Sunday night after he was summoned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here for his statement to be recorded.

       Sources said the suspect was believed to have received gratification in various forms from contractors.

       “Investigation shows that he received money of about RM18,000 for house renovation, RM38,000 in cash and RM75,000 to pay for a deposit for a luxury car,” a source said.

       The source added that the suspect had allegedly been receiving a monthly payment of RM3,000 since 2018 and purchases of a television and luxury watch were “taken care of” by contractors as a reward for helping companies secure cleaning, maintenance and other jobs in Selangor.

       The MACC has obtained remand orders for six individuals in connection with the project cartel syndicate so far.

       On July 23, two district officers and a contractor were remanded for six days while the following day, another district officer and a quantity surveyor were remanded for five days.