GEORGE TOWN: A former special officer to a state exco is among the six people detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Penang.

       The six are believed to have submitted false claims related to a programme for hawkers involving more than RM80,000.

       According to sources, the six three men and three women aged between 25 and 50 were arrested at the Penang MACC office on Tuesday (Feb 8) evening.

       Sources said the suspects - including the 42-year-old former special officer - are believed to have submitted false details related to the supply of equipment involving six companies but the programme in 2020 was eventually not implemented.

       It is learnt that three of the suspects are currently detained at the Penang MACC lock-up and will be released on bail within 24 hours.

       The other three will be taken to a George Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (Feb 9) for a remand application.

       The case will be investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, the sources added.