Former Felda chief held over project graft and land sale allegations

A former top official at the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) was detained by police on Tuesday for questioning over alleged financial irregularities, according to authorities in Malaysia.

The five-day remand order was granted to facilitate investigations into suspected misuse of funds related to development projects and the sale of land holdings under Felda's purview. The agency, which oversees one of the country's largest schemes for smallholder agricultural development, has been scrutinizing transactions and project expenditures involving the former senior executive.

Investigators are examining whether there were breaches of financial protocols and improper handling of assets during the official's tenure. The remand period allows police to conduct further interviews and gather additional evidence relevant to the inquiry.

Felda, established in 1956, has long been a significant institution in Malaysia's rural development framework, managing vast tracts of land and coordinating agricultural initiatives across the country. The organization has periodically faced scrutiny regarding governance and financial management practices.