Latest news with #AgMohdTahir
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘I didn't give such instructions'
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: Ag Mohd Tahir at the court on April 30. Kota Kinabalu: Former State Water Department Director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib on Wednesday denied giving instructions or granting approval to collect contributions amounting to about 27.5 per cent of the cost of projects carried out in each division. In his defence before Special Corruption Court Judge Abu Bakar, Ag Mohd Tahir testified, during examination-in-chief by his counsel, Datuk Ansari Abdullah, that he had never issued nor approved anything, as stated in the prosecution's witness statement referred to him. Ag Mohd Tahir was asked of his response regarding a paragraph in the witness statement of prosecution's 36th witness former Beaufort divisional water engineer Suhaimi Asbullah, who had stated in his witness statement that the informal meeting held on April 7, 2005, Teo Chee Kong (who was the Kota Kinabalu divisional water engineer) informed Division and District Water Engineers that, following a directive approved by State Water Department (JANS) Director Ag Tahir Mohd Talib and discussed with Deputy Director Lim Lam Beng, each division to collect and remit a 27.5 per cent contribution from project costs, covered by inflated contractor rates, to their respective departments. Ag Mohd also testified that he had no knowledge of the existence of the informal meeting mentioned in Suhaimi's witness statement. To a question, on his response to another statement by Suhaimi in his witness statement, Ag Mohd Tahir said that it was Teo's own statement, and that he had no knowledge of it. Ag Mohd Tahir was referred to Suhaimi's statement that out of the 27.5 per cent collected, 10.75 per cent was to be handed over by the District Engineers to Teo, who said it would be distributed to selected officers at JANS Headquarters, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (KPI) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF); Teo circulated photocopies of the 10.75 per cent formula only to the District Engineers without any official minutes, and warned that failure to comply could result in funding delays or denial of warrants for quotation and emergency works. When asked to respond to a statement in Suhaimi's witness statement alleging that there had been a 'mark-up', Ag Mohd Tahir said he was not aware of any such practice. Ag Mohd Tahir was referred to Suhaimi's witness statement, which alleged that, among other things, quotations and claims for pipe replacement and installation works involving various sizes and types in previous years had included a 30 per cent mark-up. Ag Mohd Tahir, 63, his wife, Fauziah Piut, 59, and former State Water Department deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 70, face multiple money laundering charges. Ag Mohd Tahir and his wife Fauziah Piut, as the first and second accused, are facing 33 counts of money laundering charges, involving cash and bank savings amounting to RM61.57 million, as well as unlawful possession of luxury goods. Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUA) 2001 and one charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the same Act. Fauziah faces 19 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. Both Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah have another two joint charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. The offences against Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah were allegedly committed at separate locations among others, at an office in Kota Kinabalu, a house in Sembulan, at several bank branches, between Oct 4 and Nov 4, 2016. Lim faces four counts of having a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle, cash of RM200,000, RM1,900,000 and RM280,000 from proceeds of unlawful activities as framed under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. The offences allegedly committed on Oct 13, Oct 22, Nov 7 and Nov 8, 2016 here. Testifying further, when asked to comment on a page of Suhaimi's witness statement regarding, among others, that beginning 2005 their team at JANS Beaufort had begun collecting a 27.5 per cent commission from contractors carrying out quotation-based works in the Beaufort Division, Ag Mohd Tahir said the implementation of all works was carried out at the divisional level, and that he claimed to have no knowledge of the 27.5 per cent commission. In response to a question, Ag Mohd Tahir testified that he had never instructed anyone, including his family members, to approach divisional or district engineers to prepare any application letters. He said this when asked to comment on Suhaimi's witness statement, which alleged, among other things, that several agents, comprising his family members and friends, had claimed they had his permission to deal with the Water Department in Beaufort, including in Membakut and surrounding areas. When asked about Suhaimi's allegations —particularly claims of threats that divisional engineers would be transferred, and Suhaimi's fear that he might be harmed by Ag Mohd Tahir and his group — Ag Mohd Tahir responded: 'That may be his personal opinion. I have never threatened anyone.' Ag Mohd Tahir testified that no water engineers, including Suhaimi, from the division or district had ever reported to him that they were threatened by contractors during his tenure as Director of JANS. When asked who served as his deputy from the end of 2003 until 2016 during his tenure as Director of JANS, Ag Mohd Tahir testified that it began with Lim as deputy director, and upon his retirement, the position was taken over by Teo. In response to another question about whether the Director had the authority to appoint contractors at the division or district level, Ag Mohd Tahir stated that the responsibility for appointing contractors lay with the divisional and district engineers, who had been authorised to appoint JANS contractors. He added that the entire process, from tendering to contractor appointment, was under the jurisdiction of the divisional and district water engineers, who also established specific committees to offer work and appoint contractors. Together with Ansari Abdullah is counsel Erveana Ansari in representing Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah while counsel Datuk Tan Hock Chuan and Baldev Singh represented Lim. Deputy Public Prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and Haresh Prakash Somiah appeared for the prosecution. The trial will continue on June 25. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Borneo Post
‘I knew nothing about contractor fee scheme' – former Water Dept boss
KOTA KINABALU (April 30): A former director of the Sabah Water Department told a money laundering trial at a Sessions Court here today that he had no knowledge about an unofficial meeting alleging him of agreeing to contribution collections from contractors at about 27.5 percent from project costs at the contractors' respective divisions. Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 63, who was testifying before judge Abu Bakar Manat, said that what transpired in the said unofficial meeting was nothing to do with him. Under examination-in-chief by his counsel Datuk Hj Ansari Abdullah, Ag Mohd Tahir, who opted to give sworn evidence, claimed that what was said in the unofficial meeting was a statement from Teo Chee Kong. Ag Mohd Tahir, who was the first witness for his defence with his wife Fauziah Hj Piut, was responding to a question from Ansari in regards to a witness statement by 36th prosecution witness. It was revealed in the prosecution stage trial that the 36th prosecution witness had testified among others that on April 7, 2005, the 36th prosecution witness confirmed Ag Mohd Tahir's attendance in a meeting with division and district engineers at a meeting room of the Sabah Water Department headquarters. Recapping the 36th prosecution witness' evidence, the 36th prosecution witness had testified that after the said meeting with Ag Mohd Tahir, the 36th prosecution witness had attended the said unofficial meeting whereby the 36th prosecution witness claimed that only Teo and engineers from divisions and districts were there. The 36th prosecution witness also had testified that in the said unofficial meeting Teo had allegedly told the engineers that Ag Mohd Tahir had allegedly agreed to the percentage of collection contributions from project costs. When asked how was his work relationship with the 36th prosecution witness, Ag Mohd Tahir said that just normal as one of the staff at the said department. Ag Mohd Tahir was on trial together with Fauziah, 58, and former deputy director of the Sabah Water Department, Lim Lam Beng @ Lim Chee Hong, 69. Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges while Fauziah faces 19 charges under under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Fauziah has another two joint charges with Ag Mohd Tahir under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act and Ag Mohd Tahir also has another charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the same Act. The alleged offences against Ag Mohd Tahir and his spouse were allegedly committed at his office here, a house in Sembulan, at bank branches, at a condominium, in Sulaman and a tower in Kuala Lumpur between October 4 and November 4, 2016. Lim was alleged to have committed the offences at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office at Jalan UMS and at a house here between October 13 and November 8, 2016. Deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and Haresh Prakash Somiah appeared for the prosecution. Fauziah was represented by Ansari and together with Ansari, was counsel Erveana Ansari. As for Lim, he was defended by counsel Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, Baldev Singh, Karpaljit Singh and Kelvin Wong. The trial will resume on June 25.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Ex-Sabah Water director denies approving contractor contribution scheme
KOTA KINABALU: A former Sabah Water Department director has denied agreeing to the collection of contributions. Testifying in his defence before Sessions Court judge Abu Bakar Manat, Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib said he was completely unaware of any decisions made during the unofficial meeting where he was purportedly to approve a contribution amounting to 27.5 per cent of project costs from contractors. He said that all statements regarding the meeting had come from Teo Chee Kong, who was his deputy at the time. Ag Mohd Tahir made this statement in response to a question from his counsel, Datuk Ansari Abdullah, relating to the testimony of the 36th prosecution witness, Suhaimi Asbullah. On trial alongside Ag Mohd Tahir, 63, are his wife, Fauziah Piut, 57, and former deputy director, Lim Lam Beng, 66. The trio are jointly facing 37 charges of money laundering involving cash and bank savings totalling RM61.57 million, as well as the unlawful possession of luxury items between October and November 2016. During the prosecution stage, the 36th witness testified, that on April 7, 2005, he confirmed Ag Mohd Tahir's attendance at a meeting with divisional and district engineers at the department's headquarters. Recounting Suhaimi's testimony, the witness said that following the meeting with Ag Mohd Tahir, he attended an unofficial session which, he claimed, was only attended by Teo and engineers from various divisions and districts. The witness further testified that, during this unofficial meeting, Teo had allegedly informed the engineers that Ag Mohd Tahir had approved the 27.5 per cent contribution collection from project costs to be implemented in the respective divisions or districts. When asked about his working relationship with the 36th prosecution witness, Ag Mohd Tahir described it as normal, typical of a department head and his staff. Deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and Haresh Prakash Somiah appeared for the prosecution. Fauziah was represented by Ansari and Erveana Ansari, while Lim was defended by Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, Baldev Singh, Karpaljit Singh, and Kelvin Wong. The trial will resume on June 25.
Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Daily Express
Trial put off over defence request
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUA) 2001 and one charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the same Act. Kota Kinabalu: The defence hearing for two former senior officers of the State Water Department and one of their wives, facing multiple money laundering charges, has been adjourned to Wednesday. Special Corruption Court Judge Abu Bakar Manat adjourned the matter after the defence counsel of first accused former Water Department director Ag Mohd Tahir insisted that the cautioned statements of Ag Mohd Tahir taken on Oct 15, 2016 be supplied to them before the defence can proceed. Tuesday was fixed for the commencement of the defence of the accused - Ag Mohd Tahir, 62, his wife, Fauziah Piut, 59, and former State Water Department deputy director Lim Lam Beng, 70. On Dec 4, 2024, the trio were ordered to enter their defence, with Ag Mohd Tahir and Lim opting to give sworn evidence from the witness box, while Fauziah would deliver an unsworn statement from the dock. Ag Mohd Tahir and his wife Fauziah Piut, as the first and second accused, are facing 33 counts of money laundering charges, involving cash and bank savings amounting to RM61.57 million, as well as unlawful possession of luxury goods. Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUA) 2001 and one charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the same Act. Fauziah faces 19 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. Both Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah have another two joint charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. The offences against Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah were allegedly committed at separate locations among others, at an office in Kota Kinabalu, a house in Sembulan, at several bank branches, between Oct 4 and Nov 4, 2016. Lim was facing four counts of having a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle, cash of RM200,000, RM1,900,000 and RM280,000 from proceeds of unlawful activities as framed under Section 4 (1)(b) of the same Act. The offences allegedly committed on Oct 13, Oct 22, Nov 7 and Nov 8, 2016 here. Earlier in Tuesday's proceedings, counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah, representing Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah, informed the court that the defence needed to satisfy themselves that the draft of Ag Mohd Tahir's witness statement did not contradict his cautioned statement made in October 2016. The court ordered bail extended to all the accused. Together with Ansari Abdullah is counsel Erveana Ansari in representing Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah while counsel Datuk Tan Hock Chuan and Baldev Singh represented Lim. Deputy Public Prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and Haresh Prakash Somiah appeared for the prosecution. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
29-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Money laundering trial adjourned pending caution statements
The Kota Kinabalu Court Complex. KOTA KINABALU (Apr 29): A Sessions Court here on Tuesday put off the defence trial of three individuals, including a former director of the Sabah Water Department to April 30 for money laundering charges, pending the production of caution statements that were recorded nine years ago. In his decision, judge Abu Bakar Manat took the position to adjourn the trial of ex-director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 60, Ag Mohd Tahir's wife Fauziah Hj Piut, 58, and former deputy director of the said department, Lim Lam Beng @ Lim Chee Hong, 69, when the defence stage trial was supposed to proceed on Tuesday. 'In view of to the position stated of that the defence counsel (for Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah) still insist for caution statements of Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah, taken on October 15, 2016, to be supplied before we can proceed with the defence case. 'So in view of that, we take position to adjourn the matter until tomorrow (today) morning,' said the judge. The trio had been tried for alleged money laundering offences involving cash, bank savings as well as alleged unlawful possession of luxurious items. During a previous hearing, the judge had fixed a three-day trial from April 28 to 30 for them to answer their defence. Ag Mohd Tahir and Lim had opted to give evidence under oath from the witness stand while Fauziah chose to give an unsworn evidence for her defence. The prosecution offered 38 witnesses to the defence. It was reported that according to counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah, who represented Ag Mohd Tahir and Fauziah, they may call or interview six individuals, namely Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan and Datuk Raymond Tan, both former Ministers of Infrastructure Development, Datuk Felix Madan and Datuk Michael Emban, both former Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, former Deputy Permanent Secretary (Development) of the State Ministry of Finance Datuk Peter Thien and Teo Chit Ming. Ag Mohd Tahir faces 11 charges while Fauziah faces 19 charges under Section 4 (1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Fauziah has another two joint charges with Ag Mohd Tahir under Section 4 (1)(b) also of the same Act and Ag Mohd Tahir also has another charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the same Act. The alleged offences against Ag Mohd Tahir and his spouse were allegedly committed at his office here, a house in Sembulan, at bank branches, at a condominium, in Sulaman and a tower in Kuala Lumpur between October 4 and November 4, 2016. Lim was alleged to have committed the offences at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office at Jalan UMS and at a house here between October 13 and November 8, 2016. Deputy public prosecutors Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and Haresh Prakash Somiah appeared for the prosecution. Counsel Datuk Tan Hock Chuan, Baldev Singh, Karpaljit Singh and Kelvin Wong defended Lim.
