Latest news with #RM750


The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Two former ministers jailed up to 25 years for graft
A court in Colombo sentenced two former ministers from the government of deposed president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday to decades in prison in a landmark corruption case. Ex-sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former trade minister Anil Fernando were found guilty by the Colombo High Court of misappropriating 53 million rupees (RM750,572) of state funds. The pair were also fined 170,870 rupees (RM8,481) for using government money to donate board games – including 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts sets – in an attempt to boost the failed 2015 re-election bid of Gotabaya's elder brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa. Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years in jail. Fernando was sentenced to 25 years. Aluthgamage is now the most senior member of a Rajapaksa-led Cabinet to be successfully prosecuted for corruption. The cases against both men were initiated six years ago, when the Rajapaksa brothers were out of power, but the case had been making slow headway until a new government took office last year. Aluthgamage also faces a separate investigation into allegations that he authorised in 2022 a payment of US$6.09mil to a Chinese supplier for a fertiliser shipment that was never delivered. He caused a stir in 2020 when he accused Sri Lanka's national cricket team of rigging the 2011 World Cup final in favour of India, triggering an investigation that ultimately failed to substantiate his claims. Aluthgamage, who served as sports minister from 2010 to 2015, said in June 2020 that he had 'not wanted to disclose' the alleged match-fixing plot at the time. 'In 2011, we were supposed to win, but we sold the match. I feel I can talk about it now. I am not implicating players, but certain sections were involved,' he said. — AFP


The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Kuching Autistic Association hosts fundraising food fair on July 13
THE Kuching Autistic Association will hold its annual food fair on July 13 to raise funds for its autism programmes and operational costs. The association said it was currently facing an annual deficit of RM750,000. "Proceeds from this food fair will go directly towards sustaining therapy services, education programmes and daily operations for children with autism," said the association in a statement. It said visitors can look forward to local delicacies, handcrafted items, and vibrant community spirit at the fair, which will take place at the Association of Churches hall on Jalan Stampin here. A highlight of the event would be colourful stage programmes featuring performances by the association's students, local talents and special guests. The association welcomed members of the public to get involved in the fair by volunteering on the day, helping to sell tickets or setting up a food or merchandise stall. "Every bit of support helps bring us closer to our goal. Let us unite as a community to bring hope, inclusion, and a brighter future for children with autism in Kuching," it said. For ticket purchases and enquiries, contact Kimberly at 010-268 6363/082-686 363 or Jonna (016-860 5826).


New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Retired engineer loses over RM200,000 to investment scam
SIBU: A retired private-sector engineer from here lost RM224,403 in a month after falling victim to an online investment scam that falsely promised lucrative returns of up to RM750,000. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim, a man in his 60s, only realised he had been scammed when he was asked to pay an additional RM100,700 as 'tax' to withdraw the supposed investment profits, which did not exist. He said the victim was initially drawn to the so-called investment offer, promoted as the 'Investment Stock Market' by a company named KKR Investment on Instagram on April 9. "Later, he received further explanation via WhatsApp from someone claiming to be a company representative. "If the victim agreed, he was required to download the KKR Investment app for registration purposes. "He was also informed that all accumulated profits could be viewed through the app," he said in a statement. Between April 9 and May 7, the victim made 11 money transfers totalling RM224,403 to four different local bank accounts. He then contacted the representative again when the investment app showed his profits had reached RM750,000. Zulkipli said that when the victim was asked to make an additional payment of RM100,700 as a tax to withdraw the funds, he began to suspect he was being scammed and subsequently filed a police report in Sibu on Tuesday. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Zulkipli advised the public to exercise caution and not be easily tempted by offers of high returns through online investment schemes. – Bernama


The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Retired engineer loses over RM200,000 to investment scam
SIBU: A retired private-sector engineer from here lost RM224,403 in a month after falling victim to an online investment scam that falsely promised lucrative returns of up to RM750,000. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim, a man in his 60s, only realised he had been scammed when he was asked to pay an additional RM100,700 as 'tax' to withdraw the supposed investment profits, which did not exist. He said the victim was initially drawn to the so-called investment offer, promoted as the 'Investment Stock Market' by a company named KKR Investment on Instagram on April 9. Later, he received further explanation via WhatsApp from someone claiming to be a company representative. 'If the victim agreed, he was required to download the KKR Investment app for registration purposes. He was also informed that all accumulated profits could be viewed through the app,' he said in a statement. Between April 9 and May 7, the victim made 11 money transfers totalling RM224,403 to four different local bank accounts. He then contacted the representative again when the investment app showed his profits had reached RM750,000. Zulkipli said that when the victim was asked to make an additional payment of RM100,700 as a tax to withdraw the funds, he began to suspect he was being scammed and subsequently filed a police report in Sibu on Tuesday. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Zulkipli advised the public to exercise caution and not be easily tempted by offers of high returns through online investment schemes.

Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Retired Engineer Loses Over RM200,000 To Investment Scam
SIBU, May 28 (Bernama) -- A retired private-sector engineer from here lost RM224,403 in a month after falling victim to an online investment scam that falsely promised lucrative returns of up to RM750,000. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim, a man in his 60s, only realised he had been scammed when he was asked to pay an additional RM100,700 as 'tax' to withdraw the supposed investment profits, which did not exist. He said the victim was initially drawn to the so-called investment offer, promoted as the 'Investment Stock Market' by a company named KKR Investment on Instagram on April 9. Later, he received further explanation via WhatsApp from someone claiming to be a company representative.