Latest news with #RM32mil
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
MACC seizes RM85.6mil in assets in highway funds probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized and frozen assets and bank accounts worth an estimated RM85.6mil as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of sukuk funds linked to a Klang Valley highway project. The probe centres on a concessionaire with a "Tan Sri" title suspected of diverting the project's funds for personal use. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said seizures include 14 individual bank accounts with RM4.5mill and eight company accounts with RM33mil. Also confiscated were luxury vehicles (RM7.65mil), designer handbags (RM3mil), jewellery (RM6mil), high-end watches (RM7mil) and properties valued at RM24.5mil. "We believe hundreds of millions in sukuk funds were channelled to the contractor's company owned by the Tan Sri and later misused for personal interests rather than the intended highway project," Azam said. The funds were allegedly transferred to multiple entities, including proxy companies and the personal account of the Tan Sri's wife, and used to acquire assets such as real estate, luxury vehicles and goods and to fund gambling activities. Azam added that the money could also have been used to finance local and overseas property purchases and investments, which were concealed through layered transactions designed to obscure their origin. As of now, investigators have not yet recorded a statement from the Tan Sri as he is in hospital. "We are reviewing the acquisition trail of these assets and obtaining relevant bank documents, including those tied to the suspect, to support our analysis," he said. To date, 45 individuals have had their statements recorded, with another 30 to 50 witnesses expected to be called in. Family members of the Tan Sri may also be summoned. Earlier reports noted that MACC had seized various luxury items, including handbags, jewellery, watches, vehicles, cash, and high-end residences, worth around RM32mil, believed to be linked to the same individual. During a Thursday operation, officers also discovered a storage room stocked with luxury alcoholic beverages valued at about RM3mil, suspected to be tied to money laundering activities. All assets were seized under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 for further investigation. – Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
MACC seizes luxury properties in highway funds probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized six luxury residences and a plot of land owned by a 'Tan Sri' in its investigation into the misappropriation of sukuk funds for highway construction in the Klang Valley. A source stated that the seizure resulted from a raid by the MACC's investigation division involving properties valued at approximately RM12mil. "During the raid, the MACC also discovered a luxury horse worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit, believed to have been purchased using sukuk funds." "As a result, the MACC has summoned the individual involved along with his wife for questioning, but only the woman appeared, as her husband reportedly has health issues," the Commission said in a statement on Friday (May 30). It also mentioned that the MACC is expected to call between 30 to 50 witnesses to assist in the investigation. The commission is continuing efforts to trace the assets owned by the Tan Sri and his wife both within and outside the country. On Thursday (May 29), the media reported that the MACC seized various assets worth approximately RM32mil belonging to the same individual. These included branded handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches, and cash. During the operation, the MACC also found a storeroom in one of the residences used to store various luxury liquors estimated to be worth RM3mil, believed to be linked to money laundering activities. The MACC's Strategic Communications Division stated that all items and assets were seized for further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLA) 2001.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
MACC seizes RM32mil in assets belonging to 'Tan Sri' in highway funds probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized various assets worth RM32mil believed to belong to a highway concessionnaire with the title 'Tan Sri', following an investigation into the misappropriation of highway construction funds in the Klang Valley. According to a source, among the items seized were handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches and cash after the MACC Investigation Division searched two residences belonging to the individual in the capital. The source stated that in the search, MACC seized 217 luxury watches of various brands estimated to be worth about RM5mil, 27 handbags worth over RM1mil and jewellery valued at RM4mil. "During the search, MACC also seized nine luxury vehicles such as Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover worth almost RM7mil," it said on Thursday (May 29). The source added that following the search, MACC also found a storage containing various types of luxury liquor in another residence estimated to be worth about RM3mi and believed to be linked to money-laundering activities. "In the same operation, MACC also seized another luxury residential unit in the capital estimated to be worth around RM12mil," he said. The source also explained that all goods and assets were seized for the purpose of further investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001. – Bernama
The Star
22-05-2025
- The Star
Penang records over 4,300 online gambling and scam cases since 2023
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has recorded 4,332 cases related to online gambling and scams since 2023, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. In 2023, there were 2,337 cases, resulting in 2,681 arrests and 1,390 persons charged, while the figures for 2024 were 1,510 cases with 1,810 arrests and 1,084 persons charged. 'As of March this year, we have recorded 485 cases, 542 arrests and 255 individuals charged in court,' he said at the state legislative assembly here yesterday. Chow was responding to a question from Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH–Air Itam), who had asked about statistics and measures taken against online gambling and scams in Penang since 2023. Since 2023, over 150 mule accounts linked to such activities involving about RM32mil in funds have been frozen nationwide. 'The government has amended the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to strengthen efforts against cybercrimes, including online gambling and scams. 'The police have also carried out operations such as Ops Dadu to cripple gambling and scam syndicates,' he said. Chow added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has also taken action to restrict access to websites and phone numbers used to promote or send spam messages related to online gambling. 'A total of 6,381 websites were restricted between 2020 and 2022, and 212,000 phone numbers were terminated. 'The authorities are also working with Tenaga Nasional Bhd to cut electricity supply to premises involved in gambling.' Meanwhile, Penang will introduce a track-and-trace system to tag its durians for better verification of authenticity. Penang agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the smart platform, developed with Mimos Bhd, aims to tackle fraud and protect local growers. 'We developed this platform after receiving complaints from local operators about fraud and exploitation by irresponsible parties,' he said. Fahmi said the new tracking system will offer end-to-end visibility from farms to retailers and boost consumer confidence. 'This system will support the verification of product certifications, ensuring quality assurance and transparency,' he added.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger line of defence in Sabah, S'wak
Ever ready: Saifuddin Nasution (centre, front row) posing for a group photo at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar. KOTA KINABALU: Three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions in Sabah and Sarawak will play a significant role in strengthening the country's internal security, says the Home Minister. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the launch of its operations reaffirmed the police's unwavering commitment to their core duty of safeguarding national security and public order. Speaking at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar yesterday, he said the key aspects are the readiness of the police force to respond to security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. 'This confirms the state of preparedness of our police force for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion,' Saifuddin Nasution said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Two of the three battalions are in Sabah. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd GOF battalions are based in Sabah's interior Keningau and its east coast district Kunak, and in Sarawak's Sri Aman, respectively. This brings the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. Saifuddin Nasution said the new battalions will enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea and air. 'These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes,' he said. The minister also spoke of the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure and accommodation. 'A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. 'So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year,' he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin Nasution said the country's standing in the Global Peace Index is currently in 10th place among more than 160 countries. 'This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. 'It is also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investments.' Saifuddin Nasution also said the government has approved the development of eight GOF posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border with an allocation of RM32mil. He said the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. He also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire featuring improved design, colour and pattern.
