21-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah Mineral refutes allegations linked to viral jet photo
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has refuted allegations linked to a viral photo allegedly showing its chief executive officer, Natasha Sim, and company secretary, Emily Chong, beside a private aircraft.
In a statement today, the state-owned company clarified that the image, taken during an official working visit, had been misrepresented in reports tying it to questionable dealings with a foreign mining conglomerate.
SMM said the first visit to the Indonesia-based conglomerate in March 2023 was part of a due diligence exercise initiated by former chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon.
The trip aimed to explore potential collaboration. In December that year, Jontih formally recommended the partnership to the board of directors, citing the Indonesian company's industry practices.
The board gave its approval in February 2024 and appointed Sim, who was then chief strategy officer, as lead liaison to facilitate discussions on foreign direct investment.
The August 2024 trip, during which the viral photo was taken, was part of this engagement.
SMM emphasised that in December 2024, both Sim and Chong had cooperated fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, submitting detailed statements and documents related to the work trip.
An internal inquiry that concluded in February this year found no wrongdoing and confirmed there was no conflict of interest, personal gain or undue influence.
"The negative insinuations of wrongdoing made in these media reports are entirely false, misleading and defamatory.
"SMM unequivocally denies that any wrongdoing occurred," the statement said.
The company stressed that it was not a licensing authority and that the chief executive officer had no legal or administrative power to grant or approve licences.
SMM claimed that the sudden re-emergence of the issue could be politically motivated, as it coincided with ongoing legal proceedings involving Jontih and businessman Albert Tei.
The duo are being sued for alleged fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tampering with official documents and conspiracy to injure.
"The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny and may be part of a broader campaign to damage the company and its officers."
SMM urged the media, politicians and the public to verify facts before repeating potentially defamatory claims.
SMM warned that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any party, including media outlets, public figures or individuals, who continue to circulate baseless accusations.
