Latest news with #RM2mil
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Two detained over false claims involving school projects in Perlis
KANGAR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested two men in connection with an investigation into false claims involving more than RM2mil in 2022. According to a source, the duo, aged 43 and 50, were detained on Tuesday (June 17) afternoon when they turned up to give their statements at the Perlis MACC office here. They are believed to have used five construction companies to undertake maintenance, upgrading and repair works at five secondary schools in Perlis, involving an allocation of RM2.459mil. The source said the men were released on MACC bail of RM10,000 with one surety at 9.30pm. The two individuals were previously arrested by the Selangor MACC in 2023 and charged in Kuala Lumpur under Section 420 of the Penal Code in connection with a project in Selangor. Perlis MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. – Bernama
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
YAYASAN UEM BOOSTS LIFESAVING MEDICAL AID WITH RM2MIL CONTRIBUTION
From left: HRC director Dr Fairul Nizam Abu Salim, Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor, Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, HPUSM director Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani, Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad, HCTM director Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar and UMMC director Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan at the ceremony. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star YAYASAN UEM, the philanthropic arm of UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), has contributed RM2mil for the implementation of its annual Medical Assistance programme this year, bringing the total contributions nearing RM13.9mil since its inception in 2014. Entering its 12th year, the programme which to date has benefited more than 1,600 underprivileged patients from across Malaysia, continues to expand with Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) under the Health Ministry joining as its fourth strategic partner. The programme's other existing strategic partners are University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM) and Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). This year, each hospital has once again received a contribution of RM500,000 from Yayasan UEM which are used to procure life-saving medical devices such as pacemaker and breathing device, medications, treatment charges including those for chemotherapy as well as to facilitate high-cost, critical surgeries for each of the hospitals' underprivileged patients. The contribution ceremony for the 2025 Yayasan UEM Medical Assistance Programme was held at HRC, where Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor presented mock cheques to representatives of its strategic partners. This included Dr Faizul Nizam Abu Salim from HRC, Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan from UMMC, Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin from HCTM and Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani from HPUSM. At HRC specifically, the funding is used to procure a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device for its neurological rehabilitation treatment as well as to subsidise other rehabilitation costs for its patients to support their long-term recovery and health. The funding will also help cover rehabilitation costs for underprivileged asnaf and non-Muslim patients, ensuring they have equal access to essential treatment. Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad who graced the ceremony, said: 'This initiative is a testament to Yayasan UEM's commitment to expanding access to quality, inclusive and equitable rehabilitation care for all segments of society, in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani.' She also emphasised that the initiative marked a historic and meaningful step for both HRC and the Health Ministry as it is the only rehabilitation facility under ministry that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other conditions requiring long-term intervention. According to Aishah, Yayasan UEM is deeply committed to providing access to quality medical care for the underprivileged, especially against the backdrop of rising medical cost and inflation. 'Despite medical advancements, disparities in access to medical care persist in Malaysia, exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic. 'We believe that every individual has the right to access health and medical services. 'It is with this notion that we fully support the government's efforts to promote inclusive and sustained medical support and we hope to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,' she added. Also present to witness the ceremony were Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar, as well as UEM Group managing director and Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Employer searches for manager who allegedly siphoned RM2.5mil
Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San (second from left) discussing with Koh Chew Siee (second from right) and Hoe Hong Seng (right) and their lawyer Tan Jun Jie (left) during a press conference held at Pasir Gudang MCA office here in Johor Baru on Monday (June 16). JOHOR BARU: An employer is searching for his former manager, who has been missing after allegedly siphoning RM2.5mil from the company's account nearly two years ago. The company's business development manager Hoe Hong Seng said they discovered issues with their account when an auditor found discrepancies during an internal investigation. "So far, we have evidence that about RM2.5mil of the company's money is missing, but we have reason to believe the actual amount could reach RM10mil. "Our auditors found payment receipts from our customers between January 2018 and November 2023, but the money did not end up in our account," he added. Hoe said this at a press conference organised by Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San, held at the Pasir Gudang MCA division office on Monday (June 16). He added that after discovering the missing money in the company's account, they met with the 58-year-old manager, who had been working with them since 2004. He claimed the manager did not deny taking the money and promised to repay RM100,000. But, the company refused her offer because Hoe said the manager had taken more than RM2mil. Hoe also claimed soon after their meeting, the manager ran away and despite numerous attempts to find her, including calling her mobile phone, failed to locate her. Hoe added that the manager's husband told them they were divorced and the latter has no idea where she is. Meanwhile, the company's owner and director, Koh Chew Siee, said he hopes his former employee will reach out to them and find an amicable solution. "I hope she can call us soon so we can discuss this matter and find a proper solution," he added. When contacted, Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak confirmed the report and said an investigation has been opened under Section 408 of the Penal Code. He added that efforts are underway to locate and arrest the suspect to assist with police investigations.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Put revised SST on hold'
Stretching their ringgit: Consumers are increasingly turning to dry foods in view of rising costs, resulting in a noticeable drop in the sale of fresh food items, say industry players. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star PETALING JAYA: Stakeholders want the government to review the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), warning that it could worsen living costs and place further strain on small businesses amid fragile economic conditions. They said concerns have been raised over the SST's cascading nature, lack of clarity and potential to erode household spending while squeezing business margins. The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) said the expanded SST, set to take effect on July 1, would disproportionately impact lower and middle-income groups. Fomca chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said B40 and M40 households, which already spend a large share of their income on essentials, would feel the brunt of a 5% tax on items like cooking oil, fruit and cereal. 'It's not just about paying more. It's about trade-offs families will have to make such as cutting back on nutrition or postponing medical and educational needs,' he said yesterday. He added that the effect would be more severe in rural and semi-urban areas, where alternatives are limited. Although some basic items remain exempt, Saravanan said the taxation of raw materials and intermediary goods will eventually push up retail prices, especially when combined with recent fuel subsidy rationalisation. This could trigger a cost-push inflation cycle, he warned. 'To mitigate the impact, the government must expand targeted cash assistance such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, consider zero-rating high-consumption items for B40 groups and strictly monitor prices to prevent profiteering,' he said. Saravanan also called for clearer public guidance, simplified lists of taxable items, consumer-facing price watch tools and stronger enforcement by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia warned that the SST rollout could significantly strain small and medium enterprises already burdened by high input costs and weak demand. Its president Datuk William Ng called for the SST registration threshold to be raised from RM500,000 to RM2mil, or for micro and small enterprises to be exempt altogether. He said the expanded SST now includes rent and business-to-business services, which could drive up operating costs and eventually consumer prices. Ng also called for immediate sector-specific guidance from the Customs Department to help prevent unintentional non-compliance. 'Without timely clarification, many SMEs may fall into accidental non-compliance despite the enforcement grace period until the end of 2025,' he said. He said a higher exemption threshold would be a more prudent move under current economic uncertainty. The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) called for a delay on the expanded SST on private healthcare services. APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said more time is needed to ensure a smooth transition and full compliance, while also calling for clarity on how the tax will apply to professional fees and foreign patients residing in Malaysia. While the 6% service tax on non-Malaysian patients may result in a short-term dip in medical tourism, he said the long-term impact is likely to be limited. He warned that the expanded tax would increase administrative workload and operational costs, which could be passed on through higher hospital bills. The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia highlighted broader macroeconomic risks. Its president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng warned that expanding the SST amid ongoing global economic headwinds and uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies could strain SMEs and increase pressure on consumer prices. 'We urge that a review be carried out of the SST exemption threshold. It should be raised to RM2mil to relieve micro and small businesses,' he added.
The Star
11-06-2025
- The Star
Four charged in Sabah for alleged role in multi-million ringgit investment scam
KOTA KINABALU: Four suspects have been charged at the Sessions Courts here for allegedly allowing their bank accounts to be used for scams and non-existent investment schemes. Their actions allegedly caused a childcare centre owner in Penampang over RM2mil in losses from transactions made in 2024, the court heard on Wednesday (June 11). No pleas were recorded from the four accused: Vincent Chia, 20; Maggie Neoh, 39; Wilson Anak Penchen, 40; and Nurul Mazidah Badrol Hisham, 34. Their charges were read before Sessions Court judges Marlina Ibrahim, Hurman Hussain, Amir Shah Amir Hassan and Elsie Primus. According to the facts of charge, Chia was involved directly in transactions amounting to RM135,000 in his personal account between Dec 10 and Dec 18, last year. Neoh was accused of committing the same offence where she allegedly received RM39,000 on Dec 14, while Wilson received RM111, 668 from Dec 25 up to Jan 7, this year, and Nurul RM19,000 on Dec 17. They were all charged under Section 424C (1) of the Penal Code for engaging in transactions using one's own payment instrument or financial account without lawful purpose. If convicted, they could be jailed between three and 10 years and fined at least RM10,000 or up to RM150,000, or both. The court set July 10 for case mention for Chia, July 8 for Neoh and July 10 and July 31 for Wilson and Nurul, respectively. Earlier, the court heard that the victim lost over RM2mil after joining an investment scheme which she saw on a Facebook advertisement on Nov 26, 2024. She had contacted the representative of the so-called investment company and was attracted to the scheme. She made her payments and topped up her investments in a total of 53 transactions totalling more than RM2.17mil throughout her involvement in the scheme. She received RM6,600, a cellphone and several gold plates weighing 15g and 50gr as investment returns. The woman realised she had been scammed when her requests to withdraw a large amount of her 'profit' were denied, while she was compelled to top up her investments multiple times if she wished to withdraw. Police are still pursuing other members of the syndicate involved in similar scams.
