The 17, aged between 31 and 51, were apprehended separately between 2.45pm and 3.15pm at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday, after having their statements recorded.

They were suspected to have abused the allocations for personal use.

Among those detained were a Grade 52 security officer. The others were security guards.

Authorities also seized about RM840,700 in cash and nine motorcycles valued about RM90,000, belonging to the suspects.

MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Azam Baki confirmed the arrests.

A five-day remand order beginning today has been obtained for the 17 to assist in investigations under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

Magistrate Siti Nabilah Abd Rashid gave the order at the Putrajaya magistrate’s court this morning.