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New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
WCE denies forceful eviction claims in Klang
KUALA LUMPUR: The West Coast Expressway concenssionaire has denied claims of alleged wrongful evictions and use of force in Kampung Jawa, Klang, in relation to the highway project. West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd said 75 per cent of the compensation for the land acquisition in Kampung Jawa had been paid as of Sept 30, 2023, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. It added that allegations of unauthorised individuals operating at night or the use of force were completely unfounded and inaccurate. "West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd takes note of recent claims regarding alleged wrongful evictions and use of force in Kampung Jawa, Klang, in relation to the WCE project. "We wish to clarify the facts and reaffirm our commitment to legal compliance, transparency, and the rule of law. "The confusion stems from a small number of landowners who have declined to vacate the land that has been lawfully acquired by the federal government for the WCE project," it said in a statement. It said total compensation of RM9.8 million was awarded by the land administrator, Selangor Land and Mines Office, after a formal land hearing process relating to the acquisition. It said the 75 per cent compensation, amounting to RM7.4 million, had been disbursed to the 33 landowners where 14 received payment directly and 19 requested payments to be channelled through their appointed lawyer. "As stipulated under Section 16 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960, once 75 of the compensation amount has been paid, the land vests entirely with the federal government free from any encumbrances and the landowners no longer have legal rights to occupy the land. "These steps constitute a transparent and structured legal process that protects the rights of all parties involved, as provided under the Land Acquisition Act 1960," it said It added that both the government and landowners have filed objections to challenge the compensation quantum, as permitted under the Land Acquisition Act 1960. However, it said such objections do not delay or prevent the government from taking legal possession of the land and 75 per cent of the compensation has been paid. "These court proceedings only determine the final compensation amount and do not affect the government's right to proceed with possession and development. "In all similar WCE cases, landowners who filed (objections to the quantum but had) received 75 per cent of the compensation fully complied with legal obligations and vacated their land while the court process continued. "Therefore, any assertion that landowners must wait for the court process to complete before vacating is invalid," it said. Although compensation has been paid in 2023, it said, the affected landowners have remained on-site for over 20 months and this prolonged non-compliance has delayed the construction of WCE. "West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd assures the public that all site activities are conducted by registered and authorised contractors, strictly during permitted hours from 8am to 6pm. "West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd urges all parties to respect the due process of law and refrain from disseminating misleading and false claims that could confuse the public.
Rakyat Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
WCE Clarifies Land Dispute In Kampung Jawa: 'Legal Process Followed, Compensation Paid'
Subscribe to our FREE West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd (WCE) has responded to recent public concern over alleged wrongful evictions and the use of force in Kampung Jawa, Klang, in connection with the ongoing West Coast Expressway project. The company has firmly denied any misconduct and reaffirmed its commitment to due process, transparency, and the rule of law. At the heart of the issue are a handful of landowners who have yet to vacate land legally acquired by the Federal Government for the expressway. WCE says the situation has created confusion, and it's time to set the record straight. Compensation Has Been Paid According to WCE, the compensation process was carried out in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960. On 30 September 2023, a total of RM9.8 million in compensation was awarded by the Selangor Land & Mines Office after a formal land hearing regarding Lot 15762 (11113). So far, RM7.4 million (75%) has already been disbursed: 14 landowners received direct payments. 19 landowners opted to receive payment via their appointed lawyers. Land is Now Federal Property Under Section 16 of the Land Acquisition Act, once 75% of the compensation has been paid and a Borang K is issued, the land officially becomes property of the Federal Government. From that point forward, the original owners no longer hold legal rights to occupy or remain on the land. WCE emphasized that this legal process is structured to protect the rights of all parties and has been fully followed. Court Challenges Don't Delay Possession While both the government and certain landowners have filed objections (via Borang N) to challenge the compensation amount, WCE clarified that these objections are only to settle the final figure and not to delay government possession. In previous WCE land cases, landowners who received 75% of compensation proceeded to vacate the land while the court process continued in parallel. Any claim suggesting that landowners are entitled to stay until court cases conclude is legally unfounded, WCE said. Delays Impacting National Project Despite compensation being paid since 2023, WCE stated that some landowners have stayed put for over 20 months, causing significant delays to the construction of the expressway; a major national infrastructure project connecting key highways like Federal Highway, KESAS, NKVE, and Grand Sepadu. Denies Allegations of Force or Night Operations WCE also addressed rumors circulating about aggressive or unauthorized site activity. The company stressed that all work is carried out by registered contractors, only during official working hours from 8am to 6pm. Claims of night operations or intimidation tactics were labeled as 'completely unfounded and inaccurate.' Moving Forward: Clarity Over Conflict West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd is urging all stakeholders, including affected landowners and members of the public, to respect the legal process and refrain from circulating misinformation that could harm public trust and disrupt progress. With construction timelines at stake and public infrastructure hanging in the balance, WCE reaffirmed that it would not hesitate to take legal action if necessary to defend its integrity and ensure the expressway project moves forward responsibly. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia attracts RM89.8bil in Q1 2025 investments despite global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia secured RM89.8 billion in approved investments for the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), a steady 3.7 per cent year-on-year increase despite a challenging and less favourable global economic backdrop. An economist said this reflects continued confidence among domestic and foreign investors, particularly in targeted growth areas. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, however, cautioned that the outlook for the second half of 2025 could be more challenging as investment sentiment remains sensitive to global uncertainties. "While the first quarter data is encouraging, much will depend on the outcome of ongoing tariff negotiations. Heightened trade tensions could weigh on investor confidence going forward," he told Business Times. Disclosing the Q1 figure on Wednesday, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said the RM9.8 billion approved investments - spread across 1,556 projects in manufacturing, services and primary sectors - are set to generate over 33,300 new employment opportunities for Malaysians. "The results reflect continued investor confidence in the country's clear policies and long-term fundamentals, bucking the trend of cautious international capital flows due to geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, as well as intensifying global competition for fresh investments," MIDA said in a statement. Afzanizam noted that the key driver behind the performance is the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Launched in January this year, the SEZ has so far attracted RM28.3 billion in investments from Singapore alone. "With Johor emerging as the largest recipient of approved investments in the quarter, this suggests that the SEZ development model is not only a powerful catalyst for investment activity but also a strategic tool for fostering regional economic integration. "The JS-SEZ is expected to bring spillover benefits to other sectors, particularly the construction industry, with the development of data centres and supporting infrastructure now underway," he added. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said while the investments are set to create 33,300 new jobs, what is equally important is the increase in the country's managerial, technical and supervisory index. Tengku Zarul noted that the index had risen from 44.2 per cent in Q1 2024 to 46.3 per cent in Q1 2025, reflecting the nation's steady success in creating higher-skilled, better-paying jobs for Malaysians. "With a better integrated Asean economy, which we are working hard on as Asean chair, we are also paving the way for Malaysia's continued positioning as a manufacturing and services hub to this fast-growing 680-million strong region," he said. According to MIDA, foreign investments (FI) dominated the investment landscape, contributing RM60.4 billion or 67.3 per cent of total investments, while domestic investments (DI) accounted for RM29.4 billion or 32.7 per cent. Singapore emerged as the leading foreign investor with RM28.3 billion, followed by the United States (RM9.9 billion), China (RM7.9 billion), British Virgin Islands (RM6.6 billion) and Taiwan (RM1.7 billion). "In terms of states, Johor recorded the highest value of approved investments (RM30.1 billion), followed by Kuala Lumpur (RM15.0 billion), Sabah (RM10.9 billion), Selangor (RM10.2 billion), and Penang (RM9.2 billion)," it said. MIDA said the services sector emerged as a powerhouse of economic growth, securing RM57.8 billion in approved investments across 1,342 projects. The sector's performance is highlighted by a robust 39.5 per cent year-on-year growth, and will create 15,051 new jobs, marking a significant milestone in the nation's economic development. As for the manufacturing sector, MIDA secured RM30.5 billion in approved investments for Q1 2025. The approval of 207 projects is anticipated to yield 18,317 new job openings. For the primary sector, it secured RM1.5 billion in approved investments across seven projects, mainly in mining. "The approved investments are dominated by domestic sources with RM1.1 billion (72.1 per cent), while foreign sources contributed RM0.4 million (27.9 per cent)," it said. MIDA said Malaysia continues to position itself as a top-tier investment destination. As of June 10 this year, MIDA managed a robust pipeline of proposed projects valued at RM48.5 billion. "The services sector leads this momentum, with 683 projects accounting for RM27.6 billion, while the manufacturing sector, contributing RM20.9 billion across 89 projects. "Complementing this pipeline, an additional RM59.3 billion in high-potential investment leads are currently under negotiation. "These figures signal not only a healthy appetite for investment but also growing confidence in Malaysia's economic fundamentals and policy direction," it said. Overall, Tengku Zafrul said the investment environment in 2025 is expected to remain challenging due to continued geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds stemming from the US-China trade war. Nonetheless, he said although major markets' protectionist policies and supply chain frictions continue to weigh in on companies' investment decisions, Malaysia's clear policies should be able to attract more investments from Asia's growing economy. "This is expected to expand to about 42 per cent of global growth domestic product by 2040," he added.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Foreigners reverse trend with RM392.3mil outflow after four weeks: MIDF
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign investors reversed their position to net selling after a four-week buying streak that saw cumulative inflows of RM3.29 billion. In a note today, MIDF Research said that the week ending May 23 recorded a net foreign outflow of RM392.3 million, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) net foreign outflow to RM9.8 billion. Notably, the firm said the past four weeks marked the only period of foreign inflows for the year. "Foreign investors were net sellers on every trading day, with outflow ranging from RM0.9 million to RM207.7 million. "The largest outflow was recorded on Thursday at RM207.7 million, followed by Tuesday with RM80.5 million," it added. Meanwhile, MIDF Research said the three sectors that recorded the highest net foreign inflows were utilities (RM56.5 million), construction (RM54.4 million), and telecommunications and media (RM48.1 million). The top three sectors that recorded the highest net foreign outflows were financial services (RM240.9 million), consumer products & services (RM139.1 million) and industrial products & services (RM86.2 million). The firm also noted that local institutions ended their four-week selling streak with net inflows amounting to RM222.9 million, bringing their YTD net buying to RM7.9 billion. It added that local retailers also reversed their five-week outflow trend, recording a net inflow of RM169.4 million. "The average daily trading volume (ADTV) saw a broad-based decline last week. "Local institutions and local retailers saw a decrease of 36.8 per cent and 28.1 per cent respectively, while foreign investors saw a decline of 29.1 per cent," it said.
Malay Mail
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Union chief Ng Chee Meng declines Cabinet post after backlash over past behaviour, dinner with money launderer Su Haijin
SINGAPORE, May 6 – Newly-elected PAP MP Ng Chee Meng has today apologised after several posts about his past conducts went viral following his Jalan Kayu SMC win in the general election over the weekend. Ng, who is also the National Trades Union Congress secretary-general, said he has asked Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong not to assign him any position in the government. 'The PM has agreed to consider this. My heart will always be for Singapore and Singaporeans,' he said in a statement here. The response came following online remarks about his conduct at a Ministry of Education dialogue in 2017, and a photo that has surfaced of him with convicted money launderer and Fujian gang member Su Haijin. 'I could have handled the situation better. I sincerely apologise. I have received and accepted the feedback, and will continue to do better,' he said. This comes as Ng had allegedly reacted angrily to a question from the audience, and that he had asked attendees if they read fiction or serious books. Ng also dismissed the dinner with Su, which he said took place some time back and he had no further interactions with the latter after police investigations and criminal charges were brought against him. 'As the secretary-general of NTUC, it is part of my work to engage with different companies and private-sector leaders. 'These engagements help me better understand the concerns and challenges in different industries,' he said. This follows a statement from the press secretaries of Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat, who said in a joint statement that the ministers do not know Su personally, and do not have any contact with him. Su, a Cypriot national, was among 10 foreigners arrested in a S$3 billion (RM9.8 billion) money laundering case on August 15, 2023. He was sentenced to 14 months' jail in April 2024, after admitting to one charge of resisting arrest and two money laundering charges. Another 11 charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.
