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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sibu married couple alleged to have led drug trafficking syndicate further remanded
The male suspect is escorted out of the courtroom following proceedings. SIBU (June 20): The Magistrates' Court here today further remanded a husband and wife arrested recently for allegedly masterminding a drug trafficking syndicate. Magistrate Oon Kork Chern allowed the 52-year-old male suspect to be further remanded for seven days, while his 44-year-old wife was remanded for another four days, following the expiration of their initial seven-day remand order which began on June 13. The court also ordered the female suspect, represented by lawyer Darren Ling, to reappear in court on June 24, while the male suspect, who was unrepresented, will return to court on June 27. Investigating officer Insp Aminur Rizwan Saiful Bahari had requested the court extend the remand of both suspects for seven more days to assist with investigations. On June 12 and 13 , police from the Sibu Narcotics Crime Investigation Division had raided a shop on Jalan Pedada and two terraced houses in Permai Jaya, leading to the couple's arrests. Drugs worth RM532,934 were seized involving 7.0867kg of methamphetamine, 2.0789kg of ketamine, and 2.0226kg of Erimin 5 pills. Also seized from the syndicate were cash totalling RM5.1 million, four gold bars, two gold necklaces, three Rolex watches, two luxury cars, and a saloon car. The seizures worth a total RM8.5 million are believed to be the highest ever recorded in Sarawak. Initial police investigations revealed that both suspects were the main masterminds behind the drug syndicate, which had been active in Sibu since 2015. The syndicate sourced its drugs from Peninsular Malaysia using courier services. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. If not sentenced to death, the offender must also receive a minimum 12 strokes of the cane. drug syndicate lead married couple Sibu magistrates' court
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Decade-old Sibu syndicate crippled; 2 nabbed, RM8.5mil in drugs, assets seized
KUCHING: Police have seized drugs, cash, and assets worth RM8.5 million following the arrest of two key figures behind a drug syndicate that had been operating in Sibu for the past decade. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the suspects, a 52-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, were detained in the course of three raids in the town on Thursday and Friday. "The arrests and seizures were made by a team from the Sibu police headquarters Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) at a shoplot along Jalan Pedada and two terraced houses in Lorong Permai Jaya. "The suspects are believed to have been actively involved in drug distribution in Sibu since 2015. Intelligence and investigations confirmed they were the masterminds behind the syndicate," he said. He added that the suspects had been sourcing drugs from Peninsular Malaysia via courier services before distributing them in the Sibu market. Urine tests found both suspects negative for drug use, and neither had any previous criminal records, he said. "The raids led to the discovery of 7.08kg of syabu, 2.07kg of ketamine, and 2.02kg of Eramin 5 pills, worth a combined RM532,934. The drugs were enough to supply nearly 50,000 addicts. "Police also confiscated RM5.1 million in cash, four gold bars, two gold chains, three Rolex watches, a Lexus RX350F Sport, a Lexus ES250, and a Toyota Vios. Bank cards, house keys and drug-packing tools were also seized for further investigation," he said. Mancha said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. If not sentenced to death, a mandatory whipping of no fewer than 12 strokes will be imposed upon conviction. The suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 13 to facilitate investigations. "Efforts are underway to track down the remaining members of the syndicate to ensure the entire operation is dismantled," he said. The public are urged to report drug-related activities by contacting the NCID hotline at 012-2087222.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Masterminds arrested in Sarawak's largest drug trafficking syndicate bust, RM8.5 mln in seizures
Mancha points to one of the items seized from the suspects as Zulkipli (second left), Mustafa (second right) and others look on. SIBU (June 16): Police have successfully busted the largest drug trafficking syndicate in Sarawak's history with the arrest of a married couple on June 12 and 13, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata. He said the suspects were arrested in raids at three separate locations, namely beside a shop in Jalan Pedada and two terrace houses in Lorong Permai Jaya here. 'The couple are suspected of being involved in drug trafficking activities. 'The arrests led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs worth RM532,934 involving 7,000g of syabu and some Eramin 5 pills. This amount of drugs can be used by about 49,702 drug addicts,' he said during a press conference at Wisma Pengaman in Sibu District Police Headquarters here today. Mancha said that police also seized various assets believed to be proceeds from the syndicate's illegal activities, estimated to be worth RM7.9 million. 'The assets included cash totaling RM5.1 million, four gold bars, two gold necklaces, three Rolex watches, two luxury cars and a saloon car with the total seizure worth of RM8.5 million which is the largest amount ever recorded in Sarawak. 'Among other items that were also seized for investigation purposes include identity cards, house keys, and drug packaging equipment,' he added. Mancha said initial investigations revealed the couple were the masterminds of a drug trafficking syndicate operating in the Sibu area, believed to have been active since 2015. He added that the drugs were obtained from Peninsular Malaysia and sent via courier services for distribution in the local market in Sibu. 'Urine test results showed both suspects tested negative for drugs and had no prior criminal records. 'The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a death sentence or life imprisonment and not less than 12 strokes of whipping if not sentenced to death. 'Both suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 13 to 20 to assist in further investigations,' he said. Mancha said police are now actively pursuing other members of the syndicate to ensure it is fully crippled. 'The Royal Malaysia Police, especially the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), remain committed and determined to combat drug trafficking activities which are the country's main enemy,' he said. The public is urged to channel any information related to drug abuse or trafficking by contacting the NCID hotline at 012-2087222. Also present were Sarawak NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah and Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Hektar Reit posts 8.9pct higher income in Q1
KUALA LUMPUR: Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar Reit) posted RM30.9 million revenue in the first quarter of financial year 2025 (Q1 FY25), up 8.9 per cent from RM28.4 million a year earlier. This was driven by income contributions from the newly-acquired Kolej Yayasan Saad (KYS) education asset and improved performance from Hektar Reit's retail properties. Its net property income rose 4.4 per cent to RM15 million, while net realised income stood at RM4.2 million, lower than the RM5.1 million in the same quarter last year. This was due to the absence of one-off fund placement income recognised in prior period and slightly higher administrative and financing expenses. In line with its environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambitions, Hektar Reit partnered with Samaiden Group Bhd to implement solar project at five of its shopping centres. The initiative is projected to deliver long-term energy cost savings of about RM2.05 million annually or RM41.3 million over 20 years. The Reit's manager Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd, said in a statement that a comprehensive asset enhancement initiative is underway at Subang Parade, with the first phase of interior upgrades targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2026. Hektar Asset executive director and chief executive officer Zainal Iskandar said the positive start to the Reit's financial year is encouraging, supported by the strategic diversification of portfolio and prudent cost management. "Our retail assets are now consistently recording positive rental reversions, while our education asset continues to provide consistent income. "These results reflect our continued discipline in maintaining stable returns and strengthening the resilience of our portfolio," he added, The company remains optimistic on the value enhancements to be generated by its retail assets upon completion of asset enhancement initiatives and strategic leasing initiatives. It noted that early gains are already seen in elevated occupancy rate which currently stands at 85.6 per cent, positive rental reversions and higher footfall, boosting yields across Hektar malls. It added that the acquisition of a 15-year master-leased industrial asset in Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone is progressing as planned and is poised to further diversify and strengthen the Reit's income profile. Hektar Reit's total assets stood at RM1.44 billion as at March 31, 2025, while the net asset value per unit was RM1.0396. Hektar Reit's portfolio of diversified properties includes Subang Parade in Selangor, Mahkota Parade and Kolej Yayasan Saad in Melaka, Wetex Parade & Classic Hotel and Segamat Central in Johor, as well as Central Square and Kulim Central in Kedah.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECERDC facilitates RM1 billion committed investments in Terengganu
PETALING JAYA: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has facilitated RM1 billion in committed investments in Terengganu in the first quarter of 2025, achieving 43% of the RM2.4 billion investment target set for the state this year. These investments are driven largely by the tourism sector and will reinforce Terengganu's position as a strategic hub for high-value tourism initiatives. In addition to tourism, the investments span key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services, reflecting strong investor confidence in Terengganu's dynamic and diversified economy. These committed investments represent a significant step forward in the East Coast Economic Region's (ECER) tourism and agricultural transformation, the council said in a statement. Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said that realised investments stood at RM729.7 million as of March, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the state. The manufacturing sector remained the key driver, followed by tourism, agriculture, and services. 'Terengganu continues to position itself as a strategic destination for investors, supported by strong collaboration between the state government, ECERDC, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. 'We are committed to advancing innovation and sustainable growth across key sectors, from agriculture to high-tech manufacturing, to create quality employment, spur long-term economic progress and strengthen the state's economic foundation,' he said. Among the commitments are a 60MW photovoltaic solar farm integrated into an agricultural project, an ammonium paratungstate processing facility and a waste collection and treatment centre. Others include a dairy farm supported by a Napier grass plantation and biodigester system, and a calcined kaolin production facility. A key development highlighted at an ECER Terengganu Implementation Coordination Committee meeting in Kuala Terengganu recently was the completion of infrastructure expansion works at the Kerteh Biopolymer Park (KBP). Delivered under Phase 4A, the upgrade strengthens KBP's role as a national platform for advanced materials, clean technologies, and biopolymer production. Since KBP commenced operations in June 2015, the industrial park has recorded RM5.1 billion in realised investments, with demand for industrial space continuing to grow. To support this demand, the KBP SME Complex Phase 1B is currently under construction and scheduled for completion next month. Once operational, the facility will offer purpose-built units tailored for SMEs in the energy sector and support services, helping nurture a resilient and innovation-led industrial ecosystem in Terengganu. ECERDC CEO Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said the delivery of strategic infrastructure such as KBP and the successful attraction of quality investments speak to the ECERDC's long-term commitment to building a high-performing, sustainable economy. 'These achievements are more than physical developments; they represent an enabling ecosystem for innovation, inclusive growth, and global investor confidence,' he added. In tandem with investment growth, ECERDC is progressing several key infrastructure projects. The Kuala Terengganu airport road upgrade is on track for completion and will significantly enhance connectivity between Sultan Mahmud Airport and the city centre. The project includes an 'Executive Drive' route to facilitate logistics and improve investor access. The KTCC Promenade Phase 1 is 56% complete. The project is designed to boost tourism and urban vibrancy. In addition to industrial projects, the council highlighted the ongoing rollout of the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Program Usahawan Tani, which is equipping B40 communities with modern and sustainable farming practices. The fertigation chilli project in Bukit Bidong is poised to become the largest in Malaysia by the end of 2025, driven by precision farming systems and community-led management. Complementary initiatives include sweet potato cultivation in Kampung Banggol and Kampung Saujana, as well as an integrated agriculture project in Taman Rahmat, Marang. To scale up the programme, ECERDC is facilitating up to 400 acres across nine Terengganu locations for agro-based projects, benefiting over 400 participants. These efforts will further embed Terengganu's reputation as an inclusive and sustainable agriculture pioneer.
