Latest news with #RM120
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC turns spotlight on civil servants in RM120mil milk cartel scandal
KUALA LUMPUR: Graft busters investigating the RM120 million supply of substandard milk powder to a government department are focusing on possible corruption and abuse of power involving officials suspected of colluding with the cartel implicated in the scheme. A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source told the New Straits Times that investigators were zeroing in on individuals within the department that received the milk powder. "We are intensifying the probe and looking at this new angle," the source said, adding that more persons of interest could be identified as the case progresses. "Investigations are ongoing, and individuals are being identified based on the statements obtained." So far, investigators have seized a substantial number of key documents, including tender papers, government contracts, and financial records. They believe the documents will shed light on the inner workings of the supply chain and uncover irregularities in the procurement process. "The MACC is focusing on the department that received the milk powder," the source added. It was reported that on July 8, anti-corruption officers swooped in on the cartel, believed to be masterminded by a family, supplying milk powder to a government department. The product failed to meet Sirim's safety and quality standards. The cartel, led by a married couple and their son, had secured contracts worth RM120 million. It is believed they had been supplying milk powder since 2019 – possibly earlier. The following day, investigators raided a milk processing factory and two companies. The crackdown, dubbed 'Op White', was an inter-agency operation involving the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara Malaysia. Raids were carried out at three residences and a company premises in Kuala Lumpur. These locations are believed to contain documents related to supply contracts dating back to 2019, but the couple's company is believed to have monopolised milk powder supply tenders for government departments for over two decades. Sources said three family members, believed to be the masterminds behind the monopolisation of milk supply tenders, had their statements recorded by MACC officers over the past two days. "In addition to the trio, shareholders and suppliers involved in delivering milk powder to government hospitals and prisons were also called in for questioning," a source said. Investigators believe the company supplied substandard milk powder between 2021 and 2024. From this year through to 2027, the company holds contracts to supply milk powder in the southern and east coast zones. Investigations revealed that most of the companies awarded government tenders to supply milk powder had no prior experience in the production, processing, or distribution of food and beverages. So far, 75 bank accounts – comprising 24 personal and 51 company accounts – with a total value of approximately RM174 million have been frozen.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MCA Youth calls for suspension of Selangor parking concessionaire plans
MCA Youth is urging the suspension of plans for the state government's controversial decision to appoint a new parking concessionaire, pending greater transparency on the details. "Announce all the terms and conditions first," said Petaling Jaya MCA Youth Chief Andy Teoh. Teoh, along with several MCA Youth leaders, addressed the parking concessionaire issue outside the Menara Petaling Jaya City Council today (July 19), highlighting its impact on four local councils in Selangor: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). Teoh pointed out that the initial announcement for the new privatisation by the state was set for August 1, as declared by State Local Government and Tourism Committee Chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim on July 9. However, last week (July 15), Ng stated that the matter was not finalised. Teoh believes this is an opportunity for the state to disclose more information about the concessionaire. He expressed concern that the terms might not necessarily result in cost savings for the state. The state announced that the concessionaire would invest RM200mil in infrastructure for Selangor's Intelligent Parking (SIP), including approximately 1,800 CCTV cameras across the four local councils' jurisdictions. Teoh calculated that each CCTV camera would cost between RM110,000 and RM120,000, suggesting they should be technologically advanced. He found this cost unreasonable and instead advocated for improving services offered by local councils, questioning the necessity of privatising the service. Teoh also echoed Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung's call to review the privatisation process, noting that the local council would lose out on parking collection revenue, especially given the recent increase in Petaling Jaya City Council's assessment rates. He highlighted that previous privatisation concessionaires faced intense scrutiny from elected representatives, and this situation should be no different. "Listen to the rakyat, and we can safeguard the benefit of the local residents," he concluded.
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MATRADE Secures Over RM120 Mln Trade Prospects At Korea Import Fair 2025
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has total trade prospects exceeding RM120 million in Malaysia's inaugural participation at the July 7-9 Korea Import Fair (KIF) 2025. In a statement today, MATRADE said this is more than double its initial target of RM60 million. Malaysia Pavilion showcased 12 companies and one government agency and was the largest national pavilion at the fair. It also implemented a range of targeted promotional initiatives to amplify Malaysia's presence to include business matching sessions with South Korean importers, digital marketing and social media campaigns, live streaming sessions and strategic media engagements. 'The impact of these initiatives was reflected in the strong results recorded. Malaysian products that garnered strong interest from South Korean buyers were jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets, footwear, ICT services, apparel, tropical fruits, and food and beverages,' it said. MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said its participation is part of its broader strategy to unlock export opportunities and outcomes, reaffirming the importance of strategic partnerships, focused promotional efforts and tailored business matching to create new avenues for Malaysian exporters. 'MATRADE's participation in KIF 2025 aligns with Malaysia's long-term vision of strengthening regional connectivity and expanding market access in Northeast Asia,' he added. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC tracking more bank accounts in milk powder cartel probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is working with financial institutions to identify other bank accounts that may have been used by a cartel which supplied substandard milk powder to a government department. This was revealed by a source who also said that statements from two government department staff were taken by graftbusters last week. "This brings the total to 12 individuals whose statements have been taken so far to assist the investigation," the source said. When contacted, MACC Special Operations Division Senior Director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said the investigation is still ongoing. He said the investigation is being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, and the Income Tax Act. Last week, it was reported that the MACC was probing four family members suspected of owning and directing companies that supplied milk powder, valued at about RM120 million, to a government department for the past 20 years. The milk powder allegedly did not meet SIRIM Bhd standards. Preliminary investigations found that all the companies involved had no background in food and beverage production, processing, or distribution. Instead, they comprised furniture, electrical, contractor, property, transport, and civil engineering companies. The MACC also froze accounts totalling RM174.6 million, involving 24 individual accounts and 51 company accounts, following joint raids with the Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia in several series of operations around the Klang Valley starting July 8.
The Sun
13-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
‘I felt forgotten' — Student's cry sparks wave of love
A Malaysian university student's raw and emotional TikTok video has gone viral, drawing nationwide attention to the hidden struggles many young people endure behind closed doors — and the unexpected kindness that can still be found online. In the video, TikTok user @aqimmy recounts how just a week ago, his mother called him 'stupid' and worse for needing financial support for his studies — despite her recent RM120,000 spending on a Hajj trip and plans for a vacation in Sabah. 'I wanted to quit and start working, but she won't allow it,' he said. 'When I first enrolled, my parents promised to support me until I graduate. Since I was small, I was always denied things — a new bed, new clothes. 'She said it was because she was saving for my education. But where is that money now?' In an earlier video, he also alleged emotional and physical abuse, including being punched by his father even after their return from Hajj — a moment he had once hoped would bring change. While some netizens coldly told him to 'grow up,' thousands rallied behind him with messages of solidarity and compassion. 'Emotional torture,' wrote @justme. 'She made you feel like a burden even though she promised to support you. That's abuse.' Others, like @miramunirah92, praised his resilience: 'It means you did well in SPM despite all that stress. Just finish your studies, do part-time work if you must.' In a follow-up post, the student said many had reached out to offer part-time jobs, shelter, and donations — though he hasn't accepted them yet. 'I've never felt seen like this,' he said, crying. 'A lot of people are messaging me. I just wanted to be heard. Maybe it's 20 years too late... but I felt even God had forgotten me.' He also reminded viewers not to judge. 'I've worked before — at Bata, at Nando's (to ease the financial problems). This wasn't a pity post. It was just a confession.' His story, though painful, is now a testament to how strangers online can show compassion when it's needed most. As @IraMonMon commented: 'I went through this kind of relationship too. 'It's okay — take your time to grow, and leave your parents for a while if you must. It's okay to be sad. 'But try not to dwell on how unfair life is. Let's make our lives meaningful instead of staying stuck in their toxic behavior.' Though the internet can often be cruel, this story reminds us it can also be a place for healing — where strangers step up to offer hope, empathy, and the simple reminder: you are not alone.
