Bangladeshi arrested in Malaysia over alleged migrant worker quota fraud

An Bangladeshi businessman who holds the title of "Datuk" has fallen afoul of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Free Malaysia Today says.

He has been arrested over alleged fraudulent applications for migrant worker quotas linked to a non-existent project.

"Datuk" is an honorary title conferred by the King of Malaysia and is equivalent to the British "sir".

A source within the MACC disclosed to FMT that the suspect, in his 40s, had submitted two quota applications for a total of 600 workers, with each application involving significant levy payments.

According to the source, these levies amounted to approximately RM460,000 and RM650,000.

The source reportedly said the man was taken into custody after giving his statement at the Selangor MACC office.

He has been remanded until November 17 for further investigation.

According to the report the suspect allegedly submitted the applications sometime in 2023.

Selangor MACC director Datuk Alias Salim confirmed the arrest when contacted.