PUTRAJAYA (June 2): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened 25 investigation papers on mismanagement of Covid-19 relating to procurement which are alleged to have elements of corruption and malpractice.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it covers various issues of offences including claims and mask supplies, and the agency will call those involved to assist in the investigation.

“Based on the report we receive from various parties, we have opened 25 investigation papers. I’m not naming any agencies but it is related to Covid-19 management from the time when it happened till present.

“We are investigating from all aspects and to manage the sensitivity of various parties involved, what I can say is it is related to Covid-19 management. Any further updates we will inform then,” he told reporters at the Program Pemantapan Wartawan bersama SPRM on Thursday (June 2).

Azam, who did not pinpoint any specific party on the matter, also did not rule out roping in former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba to assist in the investigation as well.

Prior to this, Azam was reported to have said the agency was investigating the alleged corruption, malpractice and abuse of power in Covid-19-related procurement.

Following that, Adham was reported to have said he was willing to give his cooperation in the MACC probe into allegations of corruption and irregularities in Covid-19-related procurement.

Adham, who held the portfolio when the pandemic first hit the country, admitted that he had received complaints about the matter which occurred at the administrative level.

It was reported that according to him, during the pandemic, many procurement processes were done without going through normal procedures and there also was confusion in implementing the matter.