KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari will not compromise on any wrongdoing as authorities investigate an alleged corruption case involving a RM7 million squash court project in the capital.
Taufiq said the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) would extend full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while maintaining a firm stance on integrity and accountability.
“I will not compromise on any cases, especially those involving the ministry. There will be no protection for anyone if it is proven that there has been abuse of power or misconduct,” he said.
“This ministry must remain clean. Public funds are entrusted to us for development and the benefit of the rakyat, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
“At the same time, I will not make any premature judgement. It is important that the authorities are given the space to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
“We will cooperate fully with the MACC and provide whatever assistance is required. Let the authorities examine the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings,” he added.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Terengganu-level Rakan Muda X Play True Day Fiesta 2026 and the Terengganu Water Sports Complex.
The remarks come amid an ongoing MACC probe involving a senior executive from Stadium Corporation Malaysia, who has been remanded for five days over allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to nearly RM1 million in connection with the squash court construction project in Kuala Lumpur.
Sources said the payments were believed to be inducements to facilitate the approval of a contractor’s claims linked to the RM7 million development.
The remand order, which runs until April 18, was granted by Magistrate Ezrene Zakaria at the Magistrates’ Court in Putrajaya following an application by the MACC.
The suspect, a man in his 40s, was arrested at about 7pm at a shopping mall in the Klang Valley shortly after allegedly receiving RM100,000 in cash from a contractor.
In a statement, the MACC said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had earlier demanded RM1 million as an inducement to expedite and approve payment claims tied to the project.
“Investigations indicate that the suspect used his position to solicit gratification in exchange for facilitating the approval of claims submitted by the contractor involved,” the commission said.
It added that an initial payment of approximately RM500,000 was believed to have been received prior to the Aidilfitri celebrations, with a further RM100,000 handed over during the latest transaction that led to the arrest.
Describing the case as a serious breach of public trust, the MACC said it underscored governance failures involving senior officials entrusted with overseeing public infrastructure projects.
“MACC takes a stern view of any abuse of power for personal gain, especially when it involves public funds and development projects meant for the benefit of the community.
“We will continue to pursue thorough investigations to ensure that those involved are brought to justice, without fear or favour,” it said.
The case is being investigated under Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.
It is understood that the suspect assumed his position at Stadium Corporation Malaysia on June 4, 2024. – April 20, 2026