LSN News › Malaysia

World · Malaysia Bureau

Four arrested over RM900,000 bribe in Sabah land transaction fraud

Sabah authorities have detained four individuals, including a former native affairs officer, in connection with a bribery scheme linked to a fraudulent land sale worth RM900,000. Investigations revealed the property involved in the transaction belonged to another party and was never legitimately offered for sale.

LSN Malaysia · 20 August 2026

Four arrested over RM900,000 bribe in Sabah land transaction fraud

The arrests were made following investigations into allegations of bribery and fraud surrounding the controversial land transaction in Sabah. Among those held is a former officer from the state's native affairs department, who is suspected of playing a key role in the scheme.

Probe findings indicated that the land at the centre of the transaction did not belong to the parties claiming to sell it, and there was no evidence the property had ever been formally listed for sale. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the entire deal and the circumstances under which the RM900,000 changed hands.

The involvement of a former native affairs officer has added another dimension to the investigation, suggesting potential misuse of official position or access to government processes. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal conspiracy and identify any additional parties who may have been involved.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about land transaction fraud in East Malaysia and the need for stricter oversight of property deals involving government officials or those with access to sensitive land records.