KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into a Singaporean businessman named in a viral article on social media, who is alleged to be the financier behind a Sabah mining corruption scandal involving Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing.

A source said the probe follows the article that had gone viral this week, which named the tycoon as the alleged backer of bribes linked to mineral prospecting licences in Sabah.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the matter when contacted, adding that the commission will summon several witnesses soon to assist in the investigation.

“We are verifying the information raised in the article and will be recording statements from relevant individuals soon,” Azam added.

The article, published on an independent news portal, claimed that the businessman had been bankrolling efforts to secure lucrative mining concessions in Sabah. It alleged that hidden recordings were used during private meetings with political figures, purportedly to exert pressure or obtain favours.

It also alleged that multiple companies had been used to channel influence and that the group behind these efforts was gaining ground by aligning itself with key political figures in the state. Several of those mentioned in the report are said to be leaders or associates of Sabah Umno. The report described the group’s actions as cartel-like in nature, though no official findings have confirmed this.

Tei and two assemblymen—Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin) and Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu)—were charged in court last Monday with corruption involving RM350,000 in alleged bribes linked to mineral licence approvals.

The Sabah mining controversy first emerged in late 2024 after a whistleblower released a series of covert recordings to an independent news portal, allegedly showing conversations between political figures discussing mineral deals.