Latest news with #RM97
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Barnama
GOF Raids Sawmills Across Three States, Seizes Over RM97mln In Timber And Goods
KUANTAN, 27 May (Bernama) -- The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF), in collaboration with the Forestry Department, has seized timber and related goods worth over RM97 million following 32 raids on sawmills in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang between Feb 11 and May 20. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the first two phases of 'Op Sawmill', a targeted initiative under the broader 'Op Bersepadu Khazanah', involved raids on 18 premises namely two in Terengganu and 16 in Kelantan. These led to the arrest of 53 individuals and the seizure of timber and equipment worth RM66.5 million. Phase three, he said, covered 14 raids on seven premises in Pahang, and four each in Terengganu and Kelantan, with 45 more arrests and RM30.84 million in goods confiscated. He added that 18 Malaysians had been released on bail, while 27 foreign nationals remained in custody. Those detained included six Myanmar nationals, seven Bangladeshis, 12 Indonesians, and one each from Nepal and India. Azmi said 11 offences were identified during the operations, with investigations conducted under several laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, National Forestry Act 1984, Wood-Based Industries Enactment 1985, and the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Employee Amenities Act. He noted that while some premises held valid operating licences, several had breached legal conditions. 'In one case, early intelligence suggested non-compliance, but by the time of the raid, the operator had renewed their licence and rectified the issues, so no action was taken,' he said. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Massive timber raid nets RM97mil in seizures, dozens arrested
KUANTAN: A series of crackdowns on unlicensed timber factories by the General Operations Force (GOF) on the east coast has led to the arrest of 98 individuals and the seizure of various items worth RM97 million this year. The integrated operation, codenamed 'Op Bersatu Khazanah (Op Sawmill)', was carried out by the GOF Tenggara Brigade in collaboration with the Forestry Department, involving inspections of 32 premises across Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. The first and second phases of the operation were conducted between February 11 and May 19, followed by a third phase on May 20. The raids targeted illegal sawmills engaged in unlicensed timber processing. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Director, Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim, said the individuals arrested — mostly sawmill workers — were aged between 18 and 80, and included 10 women. He said items valued at RM66.5 million were confiscated during the first two phases of the operation, which took place in Kelantan and Terengganu. "Various wood-processing and cutting equipment, including chainsaws, heavy machinery, and logs, were seized. Some factory owners were fined for operating without a licence, using unauthorised machinery and equipment, and violating timber-related regulations. "A total of 18 raids were conducted during these phases, resulting in the arrest of 53 individuals. Thirteen were charged in court, while the remaining 40 were released on bail pending further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office," he said during a press conference on 'Op Sawmill' at the Galing GOF Camp today. Also present was Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department Director (Enforcement), Abd Ramlizauyahhudin Mahli. Azmi said that the third phase of the operation on May 20 was a joint effort led by Bukit Aman GOF along with the Tenggara Brigade, the Forestry Department, the Labour Department, and local authorities, during which 14 timber factories across the east coast were inspected. "Some of the factory owners committed various offences, including operating without valid licences, employing foreign workers without permits, and being unable to provide export or import licences for forest timber products or logs. "Assets worth RM30.8 million were seized, including 47,709 pieces of forest timber valued at RM11 million, heavy machinery worth RM4.3 million, and wood-processing tools worth RM15 million. A total of 232 individuals were screened, and 45, including eight women, were arrested," he said. He said those detained during 'Op Sawmill' throughout this year included 58 locals, along with 17 Myanmar nationals, 14 Indonesians, seven Bangladeshis, one Nepalese, and one Indian national. Azmi said that illegal sawmills pose a threat to public safety and order, prompting the GOF to hold regular meetings with the Forestry Department to develop effective countermeasures. "All raids were preceded by extensive surveillance. We worked closely with the Forestry Department to conduct initial monitoring before planning and executing the raids," he said. 'Op Sawmill' involved 295 GOF officers and personnel, including officials from the Forestry Departments in Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, as well as representatives from health and local authorities.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SNS Network to capitalise on AI and digital centre boom in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd is well-positioned to capitalise on Malaysia's AI and data centre boom while tapping into the ICT refresh cycle in both enterprise and consumer markets this year, said managing director Ko Yun Hung. He said the ICT solutions provider sees opportunities in supplying AI and storage servers, networking and cybersecurity solutions to support Malaysia's expanding data centre industry. 'Once these data centres are operational, a lot of equipment is required to support them. These are areas where we play a key role, and we are definitely very excited,' Ko told SunBiz in an interview. Malaysia wrapped up 2024 as Southeast Asia's leading data centre destination, attracting US$23 billion (RM97 billion) in investment. Ko said the industry's rapid growth began during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020–2022) when a surge in digital adoption accelerated digital transformation. 'During that time, many businesses and organisations started integrating digital devices into their operations, which led to a rise in virtual meetings, e-learning, and other digital applications.' As AI adoption grows, businesses require powerful computing infrastructure to train and run AI models, which in turn fuels demand for data centres, storage solutions and networking technologies – areas where SNS Network sees strong opportunities. The AI boom, Ko said, particularly following the 2022 announcement of ChatGPT, has fuelled demand for computing power. 'When we talk about AI, it is actually huge, and the opportunity is tremendous because it is one of the most important tools that will transform productivity. It will significantly improve the way we work.' He said AI adoption is growing rapidly, creating opportunities to sell various types of computing devices. 'AI requires machines to run all the algorithms. No matter which language model you are using or what training you need, computing power is essential. Whether it's GPU (graphics processing unit) power or setting up an entire cluster, that is basically our job. We work closely with our clients to provide the necessary infrastructure. This is a very exciting moment because of the vast opportunities ahead.' On the commercial side, Ko said AI use cases are increasing, leading to another wave of industry growth, possibly even on a global scale. 'Various industries will evolve with AI because everyone is striving to work more efficiently.' He pointed out that digital equipment purchased between 2020 and 2022 are now approaching their three- to five-year upgrade cycle. 'It is time for many digital users to refresh their equipment. Of course, not everyone will upgrade at the same time, but the demand is already there.' Ko explained that once someone integrates digital devices – such as laptops, smartphones or other computing devices – into their daily life or work, they are unlikely to stop using them. 'Instead, as their equipment ages, they are more likely to upgrade or refresh it rather than revert to a non-digital lifestyle,' he said. This ongoing need for updated devices contributes to continuous demand for new technology, driving growth in the industry. 'We are seeing an organic refresh cycle that will happen over the next few years, batch by batch, across companies and organisations. This has become a key consumer buying behaviour today,' Ko said. Even as SNS Network's enterprise solutions are benefiting from data centre and AI-driven infrastructure growth, the company is expanding its retail footprint to serve the growing demand for consumer ICT products. In 2024, SNS launched two multibrand concept stores – GLOO Hyperstore Queensbay Mall in Penang and NB Plaza in Selangor. This year, the company plans to open three additional brand-specific stores in Penang for Honor, MI and IT World. 'This expansion aims to strengthen the group's customer base and retail footprint,' Ko said.
The Star
01-05-2025
- The Star
Miri cops nab two men, seize drugs worth over RM123,000
KUCHING: Police have arrested two men and seized drugs worth more than RM123,000 in two separate raids in Miri on Sunday. Miri OCPD ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said in the first raid at an entertainment centre at about 12.10 midnight, a 27-year-old foreign man was arrested. "In the raid, police seized drugs suspected to be Ecstasy powder weighing 1.3 kilogrammes, Ecstasy pills (37 grammes), ketamine (10.2 grammes) and a pod containing the drug (66.9 grammes) with a total value of RM25,620. "The amount of drugs seized is estimated to be used by 1,509 addicts. "Initial screening tests found the suspect positive for methamphetamine," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 1). He said in a second raid at a house on the same day at around 1.25pm, a 35-year-old local man was arrested and police seized 31.4 kilogrammes of marijuana worth RM97,340. "Also seized was a Perodua Axia with an estimated value of RM20,000. The amount of drugs seized could be used by 155,002 addicts," he said. According to Mohd Farhan, both cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the death penalty or, if not sentenced to death, life imprisonment and not less than 12 strokes of the cane, if convicted. - Bernama
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Drug busts leads to arrest of duo, seizure of RM120,000 worth of narcotics in Miri
Mohd Farhan shows a pack of compressed cannabis seized in the second operation, as Nurashyikin (second left) and other officers look on. – Photo by Jenifer Laeng MIRI (April 30): Police arrested two men and seized drugs worth over RM120,000 in operations at two locations here. Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the first operation was conducted by district Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division personnel at an entertainment outlet on April 27. 'The raid saw the arrest of a foreign national, aged 27, and seizure of several types of drugs worth an estimated RM25,620. 'The drugs included 1.397kg of powdered ecstasy, 37g of ecstasy pills, 10.2g of ketamine, and pods containing drugs weighing 66.9g,' he told a press conference here today. He added the suspect, who entered the country on a social visit pass, was also tested positive for methamphetamine. In the second raid, Mohd Farhan said it took place at a rented house on the same day and was conducted by personnel from the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department. The raid led to the arrest of a 35-year-old local man and seizure of 31.4kg of compressed cannabis worth RM97,340. 'Also seized was a compact car valued at RM20,000,' he added. According to him, the local suspect, who tested negative for drugs, works as a technician for a private company and is also a part-time e-hailing driver. 'The drugs are believed to be for distribution within the city and other parts of the state,' he said, adding investigations are ongoing to determine if the two cases are connected. Both suspects are being investigated for drug trafficking under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and have been remanded. Mohd Farhan Lee also extended his appreciation to the public for channelling information that resulted in the successful busts. 'I urge the public to continue reporting drug-related activities in the city to the police. I do not want Miri to become a transit point for drug smuggling activities,' he said. Also present at the press conference was Miri deputy police chief Supt Nurashyikin Abdullah. drugs miri Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah PDRM police
