Latest news with #SabahMineralManagementSdnBhd
Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Legal turbulence over private jet: Ex-SMM CEO demands RM10m
Jontih Enggihon, the former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM), is demanding RM10 million in compensation from the state-owned company over statements made regarding the private jet scandal. His counsel, Chin Tek Ming, said this is in response to SMM's claim that the resurfacing of a private jet photo implicating its current CEO, Natasha Sim, is linked to a legal retaliation campaign.
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
SMM claims jet photo re-emergence tied to legal retaliation campaign
Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has denied any wrongdoing after a photo surfaced showing its top executives boarding a private jet allegedly owned by an Indonesian coal magnate. In a statement today, the state-owned company described the media reports that followed as 'false, misleading and defamatory'.
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
SMM claims jet photo re-emergence tied to legal retaliation campaign
Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has denied any wrongdoing after a photo surfaced showing its top executives boarding a private jet allegedly owned by an Indonesian coal magnate. In a statement today, the state-owned company described the media reports that followed as 'false, misleading and defamatory'.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah Mineral refutes allegations linked to viral jet photo
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has refuted allegations linked to a viral photo allegedly showing its chief executive officer, Natasha Sim, and company secretary, Emily Chong, beside a private aircraft. In a statement today, the state-owned company clarified that the image, taken during an official working visit, had been misrepresented in reports tying it to questionable dealings with a foreign mining conglomerate. SMM said the first visit to the Indonesia-based conglomerate in March 2023 was part of a due diligence exercise initiated by former chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon. The trip aimed to explore potential collaboration. In December that year, Jontih formally recommended the partnership to the board of directors, citing the Indonesian company's industry practices. The board gave its approval in February 2024 and appointed Sim, who was then chief strategy officer, as lead liaison to facilitate discussions on foreign direct investment. The August 2024 trip, during which the viral photo was taken, was part of this engagement. SMM emphasised that in December 2024, both Sim and Chong had cooperated fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, submitting detailed statements and documents related to the work trip. An internal inquiry that concluded in February this year found no wrongdoing and confirmed there was no conflict of interest, personal gain or undue influence. "The negative insinuations of wrongdoing made in these media reports are entirely false, misleading and defamatory. "SMM unequivocally denies that any wrongdoing occurred," the statement said. The company stressed that it was not a licensing authority and that the chief executive officer had no legal or administrative power to grant or approve licences. SMM claimed that the sudden re-emergence of the issue could be politically motivated, as it coincided with ongoing legal proceedings involving Jontih and businessman Albert Tei. The duo are being sued for alleged fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tampering with official documents and conspiracy to injure. "The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny and may be part of a broader campaign to damage the company and its officers." SMM urged the media, politicians and the public to verify facts before repeating potentially defamatory claims. SMM warned that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any party, including media outlets, public figures or individuals, who continue to circulate baseless accusations.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SMM denies baseless allegations in viral jet photo
KOTA KINABALU (July 21): Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has denied recent media reports and public statements regarding a photo circulating online, allegedly showing its Chief Executive Officer, Natasha Sim, and Company Secretary, Emily Chong, beside a private aircraft during an official working visit. These reports referenced SMM's dealings with a prospective foreign investor. SMM clarified in a statement today that the first working visit to Indonesia — to the mining conglomerate's headquarters — was initiated in March 2023 by then-CEO Jonith Enggihon as part of due diligence efforts on a potential collaboration. In December 2023, Enggihon formally recommended the partnership to SMM's Board of Directors, citing the Indonesian company's exemplary mining practices. Following Board approval in February 2024, Sim (then Chief Strategy Officer) was appointed as the lead liaison to facilitate discussions on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The subsequent working visit in August 2024 — during which the circulated photo was taken — was part of this ongoing FDI engagement. In December 2024, Sim and Chong proactively cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after the issue was first raised by the media. They submitted detailed statements and documentary evidence related to the work trip. Furthermore, an independent internal inquiry, conducted and concluded in February 2025, found no wrongdoing. The inquiry confirmed that there was no conflict of interest, personal gain, or undue influence involved. SMM said the negative insinuations of misconduct in these media reports are entirely false, misleading, and defamatory. Categorically denying any wrongdoing occurred, SMM clarified that it is not a licensing authority, and the CEO holds no legal or administrative power to grant or approve licenses, it explained SMM has reason to believe that the sudden re-emergence of this issue may be politically motivated, especially as it is linked to ongoing legal proceedings initiated by SMM against Enggihon and businessman Albert Tei. The duo are being sued for, among other matters, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tampering with official documents, and conspiracy to injure. The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny and may be part of a broader campaign to harm the company and its officers. SMM urges members of the media, politicians, and the public to exercise caution and verify facts before repeating potentially defamatory claims. Should these baseless accusations continue to circulate, SMM will not hesitate to initiate legal action against any party — including media outlets, public figures, or individuals — for defamation and malicious falsehood.
