The other suspects comprise a company officer linked to a firm in the oil and gas industry, and an engineering company director, reported Harian Metro.

They were arrested to assist in investigations into alleged corruption involving a private higher education institution in northern Malaysia.

According to a source, the suspects — three men and a woman — were detained between 2pm and 5pm on Tuesday when they were providing statements at the Perak MACC branch in Ipoh.

Investigators believe the offences involved the exchange of bribes to secure research projects and the misappropriation of research funds.

The offences allegedly occurred between 2019 and 2025.

The source said the company officer and the engineering firm director allegedly acted as proxies for the two lecturers, who are believed to have received bribes in cash and via bank transfers into their personal accounts.

MACC has frozen 70 bank accounts with about RM8.5 million and seized seven vehicles as part of the investigation.

Saiful Ezral Arifin, senior director of MACC’s intelligence division, confirmed the arrests.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting, receiving or agreeing to accept gratification.

All four suspects are expected to be brought to the Ipoh magistrates’ court tomorrow for remand applications.