Latest news with #RM3.5mil
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Proposal to get open house concept recognised by Unesco
Children performing on stage during the open house. THE vibrant tradition of open houses by Malaysia's diverse communities deserves recognition as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali and Chinese New Year among others, he said, were celebrated in the spirit of harmony, togetherness and mutual respect in Malaysia. 'The tradition of hosting open houses for different festivals has been practised for nearly 50 years. This is something truly special about Malaysia, one of our greatest strengths. 'As such, this unique cultural practice can be submitted to Unesco for consideration to be inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. 'If it receives recognition, it will encourage greater participation in the open houses, further strengthening our unity,' said Chow as reported by state publisher Buletin Mutiara. He made the proposal when attending a Hari Raya open house jointly organised by the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency and the Bukit Tambun state constituency at SJK (C) Keng Koon recently. Food laid out in the buffet line at the open house. Chow, who is Batu Kawan MP, said the Penang government would not neglect social development while focusing on economic and infrastructure development. He said the state would be able to attend to the grassroots through the support of bodies such as the Village Community Management Council (MPKK), Penang Youth Committee (JBPP), Relanita (female volunteers) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK). Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who was also present, shared an update on the Ar-Rayyan Mosque in Bandar Cassia, which has now been completed at a cost of RM10mil. He said the Penang government contributed RM3.5mil to the project, with the Federal Government providing a similar amount. 'This reflects the state's inclusive approach to serving people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds,' he said. It is understood that the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) also contributed RM600,000, with individual donations amounting to RM2mil. The remaining costs were borne by the local mosque community. Goh also urged MPKK to go to the ground and provide assistance to more people.
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
Court remands six suspects in RM15mil false claim investigation by MACC
KUALA LUMPUR: A seven-day remand was given for six individuals detained for allegedly conspiring to make a false claim worth RM15mil. The six detained, including a company director, a chief financial officer and two police officers, are suspects in making the false claim involving the procurement of a service contract to maintain a command & control, communication & computer integration (C4i) system. They were brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court on Thursday (April 24), where Magistrate Fadzlan Mohd Noor granted a seven-day remand order until April 30. Sources said the suspects - five men and a woman - aged between 30 and their 50s - were detained at 8pm on Wednesday after having their statements recorded at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters. "Initial investigation revealed that all suspects were believed to have committed the offence between 2022 and 2025. "They had conspired to make a false claim worth RM15mil, where some of the work did not meet the requirements of the contract. "The project, with an overall value of RM70mil, was given to the police by the Home Ministry," the source said. Sources added that raids and seizures were conducted at 15 locations, including at the Home Ministry and several companies in Johor, Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. The MACC seized four luxury vehicles worth RM1.3mil and froze 51 bank accounts with RM3.5mil in funds. "The operation was conducted with the cooperation of the police. "The MACC also seized cash of different denominations and nine mobile phones," the source said. Meanwhile, MACC senior director (Special Operation) Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the detention of the suspects. "We are investigating under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) Act," he said when contacted.
