MACC officer testifies Penang government lost RM3 million in undersea tunnel land swap

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer testified in court that the Penang state government suffered a loss in a land swap deal related to the controversial undersea tunnel project. The witness said a company involved in the project claimed RM138 million in the transfer, but the land was valued at only RM135 million, creating a RM3 million discrepancy. The testimony is part of ongoing corruption proceedings linked to the multi-billion ringgit infrastructure project, which has faced allegations of mismanagement and graft since its inception. The land swap was intended to compensate the company for building the tunnel, but the MACC officer argued that the state was shortchanged. The court heard that the valuation was conducted by government-appointed assessors, raising questions about how the higher claim was approved. The trial has drawn public attention because the undersea tunnel, if built, would be a major transport link for Penang island, but delays and legal issues have plagued it. Affected parties include Penang taxpayers, who may bear the cost of any losses, and the construction company, which denies wrongdoing. The case is expected to continue with more witnesses, and the outcome could impact future public-private partnerships in Malaysia.