Latest news with #CCID
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Retiree loses over RM530,000 to Facebook investment scam
JOHOR BAHRU: A private sector retiree lost RM535,766 after allegedly falling victim to an online investment scam promoted via an advertisement on the Facebook application. Seri Alam District Police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the police received a report from a 57-year-old local man on Tuesday, who claimed losses exceeding RM500,000. He said the victim had come across a share investment advertisement on Facebook on March 13 that promised lucrative returns within a short time, and clicked on the provided link out of interest. 'Subsequently, the victim made 26 payment transactions into five different bank accounts between March 13 and June 5, totalling RM535,766. The victim was also asked to make additional payments to withdraw the so-called 'investment profits', but those requests were never fulfilled,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Sohaimi said the victim only realised he had been duped after repeated attempts to recover the investment funds proved futile. 'Preliminary checks via the CCID's 'Semak Mule' platform found that all five accounts involved had a total of 22 police reports linked to investment scams,' he said. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, and police are also looking into the possible involvement of mule account holders.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Retiree's RM535k gone in Facebook 'investment' scam
JOHOR BARU: – A private sector retiree lost RM535,766 after allegedly falling victim to an online investment scam promoted via a Facebook advertisement. Seri Alam police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said police received a report from a 57-year-old local man on Tuesday, who claimed losses exceeding RM500,000. He said the victim had come across a share investment advertisement on Facebook on March 13 that promised lucrative returns within a short time, and clicked on the provided link out of interest. "Subsequently, the victim made 26 payment transactions into five different bank accounts between March 13 and June 5, totalling RM535,766. The victim was also asked to make additional payments to withdraw the so-called 'investment profits', but those requests were never fulfilled," he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Sohaimi said the victim only realised he had been duped after repeated attempts to recover the investment funds proved futile. "Preliminary checks via the CCID's 'Semak Mule' platform found that all five accounts involved had a total of 22 police reports linked to investment scams," he said. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, and police are also looking into the possible involvement of mule account holders.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- New Straits Times
Police receive 3 reports over alleged confinement of haj pilgrims
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have received three reports in connection with a fraudulent haj package involving a group of senior citizens who were allegedly confined and forced to traverse dangerous routes in Saudi Arabia. Federal police Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the reports were lodged by family members of the pilgrims who are still in Malaysia. He said two of the reports were made in Mantin, Negri Sembilan and one in Ayer Hitam, Johor. "The CCID is taking this matter seriously and the investigation covers various elements. At this point, it is still too early to confirm the presence of cross-border fraud. "Statements and evidence are being collected to determine whether a syndicate was working with specific agents," he said in a statement. Hasbullah added that police are still awaiting the return of the victims before recording their statements and taking further action. "In response to the three police reports, the CCID has opened an investigation paper under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, to facilitate evidence gathering and further investigation. "The probe is still at an early stage to identify any individuals or local agencies acting as facilitators or intermediaries in offering haj packages," he said. He added that the CCID will work with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Lembaga Tabung Haji and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to blacklist companies offering unapproved packages. "This step is vital to protect the public from becoming victims of fraud," he said. He also advised the public to always verify offers with authorised agencies before accepting any haj-related promotions. "The CCID appreciates media cooperation in disseminating information to the public that only individuals with a haj visa are permitted by Saudi authorities to perform the pilgrimage. "We are committed to taking firm action against any party found to have deceived pilgrims," he said. It was reported that the journey of 47 senior citizens intending to perform the haj turned into a nightmare after being deceived by a local agent, allegedly involving a well-known religious figure. The pilgrims, misled by promises made to them, claimed they were forced to walk across dangerous routes without documentation to reach Makkah after arriving in Jeddah, due to the strict control by Saudi authorities over pilgrims without haj visas.
The South African
11-06-2025
- The South African
Cape Town's coolest street is now a cyclist's dream
Bree Street in Cape Town is known for its restaurants, boutiques, and urban buzz. Thanks to a recent upgrade to its existing cycling lane, the street now stands as a shining example of the City's vision for urban mobility. The City of Cape Town, in collaboration with local advocacy group Young Urbanists and the Central City Improvement District (CCID), has begun a pilot project to enhance cycling infrastructure along the busy route. While Bree Street already featured a designated cycle lane, the latest upgrade introduces protective elements like tactical bollards and kerbs, significantly improving safety and usability for cyclists. 'I have seen exciting progress being made with the upgrade of the Bree Street cycle lane between Shortmarket Street and Hans Strijdom Avenue,' said the City's Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas. 'These upgrades will definitely make the cycle lane along the much-loved and bustling Bree Street safer to use.' Tactical bollards and kerbs have been introduced to make the cycle lane safer. Image: CoCT The initiative is part of a broader vision by Young Urbanists to create a 'Safe Passage' – a connected, cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly network linking surrounding neighbourhoods to the city centre. The project is funded by Supplier Development Initiatives (SDI) and supported by various City Urban Mobility teams. 'Together the City, Young Urbanists and the CCID have made this progress possible,' Quintas added. 'This initiative is another way we are keeping Cape Town moving.' In related news, one of Cape Town's most scenic and photo-friendly routes has officially reopened to the public. Tafelberg Road – that winds along the foot of Table Mountain – leads to the iconic aerial cableway as well as to the starting points of several popular hiking trails. It has long been a favourite for tourists, photographers and Instagrammers seeking jaw-dropping and unparalleled views of the city. Now, thanks to extensive upgrades by the City of Cape Town, the route is not only more picturesque but also safer and more accessible. Read more on that story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Cape Town's appeal as a film destination drives upswing in city's hospitality industry
With foreign film investment in Cape Town set to surpass R5 billion by October, the city's hospitality sector—especially in the CBD—is thriving. Cape Town's global appeal as a film destination is driving a major economic upswing in the city's hospitality industry. Picture:Cape Town's global appeal as a film destination is driving a significant economic upswing in the city's hospitality industry. However, in May, US President Donald Trump proposed imposing a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced content. If enacted, this tariff could affect locally made films, including productions filmed in Cape Town, and series sold to the US market. 'It may have an impact on films looking to be produced solely in Cape Town, but as an example, many scenes in the new Mission Impossible movie were shot in parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape,' Grant Elliot, chief operating officer at Thibault Investments and deputy chairperson of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), told The Citizen. 'The movie was still made and produced out of the United States, and this is the case with many productions from around the world that use our beautiful city and landscape in their productions,' he said. According to the City's Film Permits Office, from 1 November 2023 to 30 June 2024, film crews booked more than 59 000 beds in Cape Town, spending nearly R148 million. These productions are driving consistent demand for accommodation, food services, transport and office space, creating real economic value for local businesses. ALSO READ: Trump's film tantrum: Brandon Auret calls on Gayton McKenzie to invest in local films What makes Cape Town special? With foreign investment in Cape Town's film production industry estimated to break through the R5-billion barrier by October this year, the city's hospitality industry, especially in the CBD, is reaping huge rewards. South Africa's central business districts (CBDs) are often associated with unsafe, polluted, and derelict buildings. Elliot says what has made Cape Town's CBD standout is the partnership between the government and the CCID. 'The Cape Town CBD is a well-managed CBD with several partners working together to ensure it is safe, clean, and a welcoming environment to visit, do business, work and stay,' he says. The CCID is a not-for-profit private-public company established 25 years ago to create a workable inner city. It focuses on public safety, cleanliness, and social development, maintaining a continuous 24/7 presence in the central city and providing services that complement those of the city and South African Police Service (Saps). According to the City of Cape Town's Film Permits Office, a total of 550 production shoots took place in the Cape Town CBD from 1 January to 26 May 2025. These included commercials, documentaries, feature films, micro-shoots, music videos, student projects, TV films and productions, and TV series. Of these, 219 were 'large and very large' commercial shoots, 106 were micro shoots, 22 were TV series, and 14 were feature films. ALSO READ: Back to the Future: Search is on for the Gibson guitar that was last seen in 1985 Tourism There's a lucrative tourism factor when people shoot films across South Africa. The impact of cinema on tourism is enormous. The fantasy film series The Lord of the Rings significantly contributed to New Zealand's GDP through tourism. The series, which was filmed entirely in Australia, boosted tourism by approximately 50%, generating an estimated NZ$33 million (approximately R600 million) in annual revenue. By 2018, New Zealand welcomed approximately 3.6 million visitors annually, and tourism had become the nation's largest export industry. Speaking to The Citizen in May, actor Brandon Auret stated that South Africa has more to offer tourists than its three largest metropolitan areas: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. 'My whole big thing is not just about making films, not just about investing in the communities that are in those cities, but opening up the tourism. Getting people to go, 'wow, that movie was shot where?',' says Auret. Elliot couldn't comment on whether there has been a similar demand from local productions to shoot in. Auret has called on Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to use Trump's 100% tariffs on films made outside the US as an opportunity to invest in the local film industry. 'I'm a firm believer in that when the door is closed, jump through the window,' he said. NOW READ: A spy's story – David Africa's book 'Lives On The Line' thrills
