MACC Special Operation Division Deputy Director, Datuk Tan Kang Sai said the accounts were frozen for investigations, adding that such practice was similar for any other cases.
"Example like when we investigate any case, we arrest the people first then we investigate. And for these cases, we will investigate and then seized the accounts and such steps are taken as part of the investigations."
On the reason for the delay in releasing the accounts, Tan said he could not comment as it was beyond his jurisdiction.
He said after the dialogue session with the Chinese community here.
Meanwhile, MACC Sabah Director, Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim revealed that his office has received 10 appeal letters from lawyers.
"I am not sure (about the accounts) because I did not receive any information concerning the issue as it is all controlled by the headquarters. I only provided the manpower (for the operation)."
He also advised the companies concerned to write in if they have evidence why the accounts should not be frozen and his office will forward it to the respective authorities.
Sarawak was the first East Malaysian state with mostly logging companies coming under investigation under 'Ops Gergagi', which involved about 400 personnel from four enforcement agencies.
Following that, MACC launched a similar operation in Sabah called 'Ops BS' by freezing the accounts of 1,623 worth RM560 million. Included in the list were the bank accounts of senior Customs officers who had millions in their bank accounts.
Ops BS covered 43 locations in Tawau, Sandakan, Keningau, KK and Labuan. The purpose was to combat corruption, abuse of subsidised fuel and smuggling of illegal cigarettes and alcohol.
MACC led the operation with the cooperation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command; General Operations Force, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, Royal Malaysian Customs and Bank Negara Malaysia.
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