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New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Johor Regent's network helps expose military smuggling syndicate, says MACC chief
CYBERJAYA: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has played a pivotal role in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) probe into a drug and contraband smuggling syndicate involving senior armed forces officers in the southern region. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the agency had received a wealth of intelligence through the Johor Crown Prince's extensive network. "As the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail has been cooperative and determined to see this issue eradicated. We have received a significant amount of information through his connections," he told reporters after the Anti-Corruption Student Convention here today. On Wednesday, the MACC launched Op Sohor, an operation that led to the arrest of several senior military officers and five civilians, including two former soldiers who had become journalists. All five officers served in the Intelligence Division. Initial investigations revealed that the senior officers, the main suspects in the case, allegedly leaked sensitive operational information to smugglers and colluded with the syndicate to bring prohibited items including drugs, cigarettes, and other contraband into Malaysia from neighbouring countries. Azam clarified that the two journalists arrested were not working with mainstream media but had instead become enablers by leaking information to the syndicate. The MACC is also probing the media company they established to determine whether it was used for money laundering. He said the suspects had been passing on confidential information for the past four to five years, with illicit proceeds partly kept in cash savings while other funds might have been hidden elsewhere. "We do not expect further arrests, but as investigations into money laundering continue, it is possible that others who benefited may also be investigated," Azam said, adding that foreign involvement had not yet been established. He said that the leak of national security secrets was a grave matter requiring thorough investigation, adding that the armed forces chief and the military leadership had extended their full cooperation. "We will examine all relevant laws, including those on corruption and money laundering. The suspects will also face military law, as they are subject to a martial court.
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Water supply in Pontian fully restored, says Johor's Ranhill SAJ
JOHOR BARU: A technical fault at the Ulu Choh 1 Tank Outlet and nearby Kampung Sarpin caused the unexpected water disruptions in parts of Pontian since Monday. Johor water company Ranhill SAJ said it worked to minimise the impact on consumers by reconfiguring the distribution system. It has now confirmed that the water supply in Pontian has been fully restored after all related issues were resolved today. "During the disruption, alternative water supply was provided via water tankers and static tanks sent to strategic areas and based on residents' requests. "We extend our deepest appreciation to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail, for his concern over the issue of the water disruption. "The incident was handled in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN)." Earlier, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, said he would monitor the increasingly frequent water supply disruptions in Johor and will help resolve them. Tunku Ismail, on Thursday, had responded to a post by BrotherhoodJHR on X , who shared their frustration over water disruptions in Pontian that had entered its fourth day. "I will monitor and try to resolve this quickly. "It's important that we safeguard Johor's water – it's a Johor asset and should not be under a company appointed by the (federal) government. "Pray that the state's finances improve so we can buy shares in Johor's water and place it under the state government's care, Insya Allah," he wrote in the post.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tunku Ismail calls for 25 per cent tax return to Johor to manage own development
JOHOR BARU: The delay in the opening of the Pasir Gudang Hospital, scheduled to start operation next month, has prompted the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to call on the federal government to return 25 per cent of the state's income tax revenue. "I was just informed about the delay in the opening of Pasir Gudang Hospital, which was supposed to begin operations in phases starting August 2025, and I am disappointed that it has been postponed to January 2026," said Tunku Ismail in a Facebook post. Tunku Ismail also pointed to other recent shortcomings, including autogate system disruptions at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, delays in flood mitigation projects, and various infrastructure issues, as reasons for Johor needing greater financial autonomy. "Through this tax return, we would not need to burden the federal government or submit applications and then wait a long time to obtain approvals. "When 25 per cent of Johor's income tax revenue is returned to the state, it means Johor can stand on its own feet," he added.
Free Malaysia Today
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Woman charged with posting fake royal marriage cert to undergo psychiatric evaluation
Persana Avril Sollunda is accused of posting a fabricated marriage certificate purportedly showing a union between Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and a so-called 'Crown Princess' Ratu Shana. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Kuala Lumpur sessions court has ordered a woman accused of posting content featuring a fake marriage certificate involving a member of royalty to undergo psychiatric observation. Judge Norma Ismail made the order following an application by deputy public prosecutor Ravendejit Kaur to obtain a mental health report on the accused, Persana Avril Sollunda, before the proceedings continue. Norma ordered the 43-year-old former model to be placed under medical observation at Hospital Bahagia in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, for one month. 'The court allows the accused to receive treatment and undergo a full psychiatric evaluation,' Utusan Malaysia quoted her as saying. The court has set Aug 19 for the next mention of the case. Persana was represented by R Mehgalaa, who did not object to the application. Last month, Persana pleaded not guilty to a charge of knowingly uploading a post featuring a fabricated marriage certificate purportedly showing a union between Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and a so-called 'Crown Princess' Ratu Shana. She is said to have committed the offence on Feb 25, using a TikTok account under the name '
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Pasir Gudang Hospital must be fully staffed, says Johor Regent
JOHOR BARU: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, called on the Health Ministry to immediately deploy health workers to the soon-to-open Pasir Gudang Hospital, amid persistent staffing shortages in the state's existing hospitals. Tunku Ismail said the hospital, which is expected to begin operation soon, must be fully staffed to meet the medical needs of Johoreans and relieve congestion at facilities such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) and Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim Hospital. "I urge the Health Ministry to expedite postings and approvals for outstanding vacancies. Health services are not a luxury – they are a fundamental right," His Royal Highness said in a statement on Facebook today. At the same time, Tunku Ismail urged companies operating within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to offer a minimum wage of RM4,000 to local graduates. "This is crucial to retain talent, ensure fair compensation, and address the long-standing brain drain in Johor," he said, adding that current employers should review their pay scales in line with rising living costs and the need for competitiveness. Tunku Ismail also called on the federal government to formulate a clear initiative to tackle the talent exodus from the state. On infrastructure, he welcomed the RM991 million water supply project approved by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), which is expected to deliver an additional 260 million litres per day (mld) to Johor, particularly benefitting the JS-SEZ area. He said that long-term raw water infrastructure plans for up to 2,000 mld have also been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). These includes the Sungai Johor Riverside Water Reservoirs (TAPS) Project (200 mld), the Sungai Sedili Barrage and TAPS project (600 mld), and the Sungai Pontian Barrage and TAPS Project (100 mld). "These developments mean investors no longer need to worry about future water supply disruptions," he said, assuring that Johor is building the capacity needed to support its industrial and domestic growth up to 2060. "The well-being of Johoreans is my priority. I will not stop speaking out to ensure their voices are not lost in bureaucratic red tape," Tunku Ismail added.
