Latest news with #MHO
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Two Malaysians believed to be held by Cambodian syndicates
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) is appealing to Cambodian authorities to rescue two Malaysians believed to be victims of job scam syndicates. MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the victims, a 25-year-old man, whose name is withheld, and another man identified as Chin, 35, are feared to be in danger after losing contact with their families in recent days. He said the first victim, who was previously employed in an IT company in Kuala Lumpur, had travelled to Cambodia on July 8 after being offered a customer service job. Neither he nor his family were aware of human trafficking activities in the country. "His father, Ravi (not real name), told us the family only found out about such scams a week after he left, when a friend advised them to seek the help of MHO. "His mother fainted upon learning of the situation," he said in a press conference today. Ravi said his son initially contacted the family to say he was safe, but later pleaded for help to return home after being subjected to abuse, long working hours, and penalties by the syndicate. "For the past three to four days, there has been no communication from him," he said, adding that the family lodged a police report on July 28. The second case involves Chin, who had left for Dubai on March 15 to work as a restaurant assistant but was later discovered to be in Cambodia. The family's last contact with him was on May 12, during which he appeared to be under watch. "According to a family friend, he attempted to escape and return to Malaysia, but communication ceased three days ago. "His last known location was near the Thailand-Cambodia border, at a place known as O-smach Resort," Hishamuddin said. MHO has decided to release Chin's photograph to the public in hopes of obtaining information on his whereabouts, while Ravi's son's image will be withheld as the organisation believes a rescue is possible without public disclosure. Hishamuddin urged anyone with knowledge of the victims' locations, to come forward. "Our concept is not to pay any ransom. The Cambodian task force has been very cooperative in conducting rescue operations once given accurate information," he said. He added that MHO is coordinating with the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia to secure the victims' safe return.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Victims lose RM8.4m in bogus gold investment, police say ‘Datuk Seri' behind scam
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — Police have recorded 40 statements, involving 37 victims and three witnesses, in connection with an investment fraud scheme that caused total losses of over RM8.4 million. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the case was first exposed by Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, through 43 police reports filed since 2023. He said the fraudulent investment scheme was allegedly operated by a company claiming to have access to billions of ringgit worth of gold and cash funds overseas. However, investigations revealed that the company was not registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). 'The investors were promised high returns once the funds (gold) were successfully liquidated after sufficient capital was gathered to cover management and activation costs,' he told a press conference at Menara KPJ here today. Rusdi added that the victims were also misled by an individual, with a 'Datuk Seri' title, who was the main mastermind behind the scheme. This individual claimed to be managing the inheritance of assets belonging to a foreign national. He further added that the victims were influenced by forged documents, complete with fake logos, stamps, and signatures, allegedly issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 'To date, no investors have received any funds or returns as promised. Instead, they were given various excuses, including technical problems overseas and expired documents,' he said. Rusdi confirmed that 15 investigation papers have been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code, although no arrests have been made thus far. — Bernama
New Straits Times
06-08-2025
- New Straits Times
MACC urged to probe RM183mil investment scam
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate an investment scam with an estimated total loss of RM183 million. Its secretary-general, Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, said this was necessary because more than 600 victims who filed reports with various authorities and agencies since 2023 had not seen any results. "To this day, there has been no prosecution from any agency, especially the Attorney-General's Chambers, on the reports they (the victims) made, even though they have submitted documents and evidence of the fraud to almost all the agencies. "They have reported it to the police, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Bank Negara, and even the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC). This shows that there is no other place left for them to report; they have reported it everywhere. "We do not deny that an investigation exists, but they feel regret because to this day, there has been no prosecution against the suspects or the 'mastermind' who caused them to lose their retirement money," he said. He was speaking to the media in front of the MACC Headquarters today, alongside the victims of the scam. Hishamuddin added that the MACC was the last resort for the victims, most of whom are senior citizens, and they hope that an investigation paper for this case can be opened under Section 18 of the MACC Act. He also explained that the relationship between the investment company and the clients was similar to that of a principal and an agent. The investors, acting as the principal, had provided funds to the investment company, which was the agent. They believe the company, as an agent, used its position to deceive them with false documents and statements.
Daily Express
26-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Native Court exceeded its powers: NGO
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Thien (second left) with Hishamuddin (middle) and Jerry (second right) during the press conference. Kota Kinabalu: A long-established local transport company, once seen as a pillar of the Keningau community, is now battling for survival following a controversial Native Court decision that family members and legal observers say may have exceeded its jurisdiction. The company, co-founded and run for over two decades by 75-year-old Thien and his five siblings, is now at risk after a 50pc stake originally entrusted to a younger brother for administrative ease was transferred to the brother's widow following his death in 2020. The transfer was done via an order issued by the Keningau Native Court. Human rights NGO Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO), which is now assisting the Thien family, alleges that the Native Court acted outside its legal bounds when it authorised the transfer of company shares and other assets. The widow, who now controls the stake, has reportedly indicated intentions to sell, cutting off income to the siblings who still operate the company daily. 'The Native Court is only meant to handle matters relating to customary law marriage, land and family disputes. But corporate shares is strictly civil court territory,' said MHO Secretary General Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim at a press conference. MHO cited multiple legal provisions, including Section 5(1) of the Native Courts Ordinance 1967 and Section 9 of the Native Courts Enactment 1992, which explicitly limit the Native Court's authority. The laws state that the court has no jurisdiction over civil matters, including corporate ownership and probate administration, which fall under the Probate and Administration Act 1959. Despite this, a Schedule 3 heirship order was issued by the Native Court in 2021, followed by legal challenges that were dismissed earlier this year. 'This was a business built from the ground up by a rural family who trusted each other,' said MHO Sabah Coordinator Captain (R) Jerry Jaimeh. 'When the younger brother died, they assumed the process would be fair. Instead, they were locked out of ownership while still running the buses and maintaining the operations,' he said. The company, best known for operating buses on the Keningau-Kota Kinabalu-Menumbok route, was started in 2000. It remains operational with Thien still driving buses himself despite his age. Family members say the most painful part is not the loss of income, but the loss of recognition. 'We were never informed of the court proceedings. Had we known, we would have applied for a Letter of Administration through the civil court. But by the time we found out, the shares were already gone,' said another sibling. The widow, 50, has one adopted child and has reportedly attempted to block the family's access to dividends or company earnings. Attempts at internal resolution failed, prompting the family to seek outside help. MHO has submitted formal letters to the Sabah Native Affairs Department, calling for a review and clarification on the limits of Native Court jurisdiction in asset and corporate matters. Hishamuddin clarified that they are not attacking the Native Court which is vital in the Malaysian judiciary system similar to the Penghulu Court in the peninsula. 'But when jurisdiction is stretched into civil domains, it sets a dangerous precedent especially for rural communities with limited legal awareness,' he said. 'MHO fears that if unresolved, the issue may lead to the collapse of the family business despite its current solvency and a chilling effect on other indigenous families running enterprises. 'There needs to be a clear separation between customary and civil law. Otherwise, more hardworking families like Thien's will be left without recourse, losing not just assets but dignity,' Jerry added. The Native Affairs Department has yet to respond to MHO's letters as the family is weighing further legal options. Any civil court challenge could take years, time the business may not have. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
Daily Express
24-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
NGO questions Native Court's role in share dispute
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Thien (second left) with Hishamuddin (middle) and Jerry (second right) during a press conference on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU: A family-run transport company in Keningau faces uncertainty following a Native Court decision that transferred a 50 per cent stake to a widow, sparking concern among family members and legal advocates. The shares, originally held in trust by a younger brother for administrative ease, were transferred to his widow after he died in 2020 via a Native Court heirship order. The Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO), which is supporting the Thien family, said the Native Court's involvement in company shares went beyond its legal powers. MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said on Thursday that corporate assets fall under civil jurisdiction, citing Section 5(1) of the Native Courts Ordinance 1967 and Section 9 of the Native Courts Enactment 1992. The widow now reportedly plans to sell the stake, effectively sidelining the siblings still running the business, which has served the Keningau–Kota Kinabalu–Menumbok route since 2000. Sabah MHO coordinator Jerry Jaimeh said the siblings were unaware of the Native Court proceedings and had no opportunity to apply for civil probate. The Native Affairs Department has yet to respond to MHO's appeal as the family considers civil court action, though time constraints threaten the future of the business. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
