Financial crime investigation methods in high-stake cases - MACC

The MACC has expanded its scope of investigations by implementing financial crime investigation methods to check for misconduct in the country’s finances, said its chief commissioner Azam Baki.

He said this is the latest method to investigate high-profile cases related to corruption and abuse of power involving large amounts of money.

“This method is not only implemented and pioneered by MACC because we will join forces with other agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara, and the Royal Malaysia Police when investigations involve large-scale or syndicated financial-related cases,” he said.

He was speaking during a special interview in conjunction with MACC’s 56th anniversary at its headquarters in Putrajaya recently.

Azam (above) said the commission must use methods and strategies that are in line with the times to effectively combat corruption and abuse of power.

According to him, through the method that entails cooperation with foreign agencies, it managed to bust international investment fraud syndicates in operations carried out under Op Tropicana.

In February, MACC detained 10 individuals including five Britons and two Filipinos and exposed a syndicate involved in investment fraud, money laundering, and corruption, during several raids in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Following these achievements, to effectively fight corruption, Azam said MACC must continue to collaborate with local and foreign agencies since each has expertise in specific aspects that can assist in investigations from various angles.

“We cannot work in a silo as it causes us (MACC) to only focus on one thing or angle.

“With the cooperation of other agencies, often referred to as task forces or joint teams, they can provide their expertise and legal knowledge, while MACC leads the investigation,” he said.

Azam said he wanted to emphasise on the effective execution of duties among MACC personnel rather than only focusing on recruiting more staff.

“That’s how it goes with MACC, we start with the existing resources and budget but focus on cases that benefit the country with the available personnel,” he added.

Celebrated today, the 56th MACC anniversary carries the theme Rasuah Dihina, Maruah Dibina’ (Corruption Scorned, Dignity Raised).

- Bernama

Hajiji: Sabah govt aims to resolve water, electricity woes within 2-3 years

 

The Sabah government will ensure that the water and electricity supply issues affecting the people in the state are resolved within two to three years from now, said Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

He said several measures have been put into action to increase the supply capacity of both facilities.

“The state government is taking measures to ensure that the people have access to clean water and uninterrupted electricity, which are currently major concerns. If these resources are managed properly, insyaAllah, we can resolve these two issues.

“We are a responsible government and that’s why we make careful planning and make sure that development projects are executed well and according to schedule,” he said in his speech at the GRS Sulaman Division annual general meeting today.

Hajiji said the Telibong II water treatment plant in Tamparuli, which is expected to be operational early next year, will increase the water supply capacity by 80 million litres per day (MLD) to meet the needs of areas in northern Kota Kinabalu and this district.

He said the state government has also begun constructing a water treatment plant to increase water supply from 40 MLD to 80 MLD in Kogopon, Papar, at a cost of RM380 million and is set to be completed in 2026.

“Through these efforts, coupled with an allocation of RM320 million from the federal government for short-term solutions, the water supply issue in Sabah can be addressed more effectively,” said Hajiji.

To tackle the electricity supply problems, one of the initiatives undertaken is the construction of a hydroelectric power plant and dam in Ulu Padas, Tenom. The project is expected to be launched soon by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

- Bernama

Saifuddin: Police presence during campaign to ensure safety

PELANGAI POLLS | A large police presence during the Pelangai by-election campaign period is to maintain omnipresence and ensure public safety and security, said Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The home minister said this today in response to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s claim of “extraordinary” police presence at the Perikatan Nasional campaign in Pelangai.

Saifuddin said the police would not be present if campaigners did not touch on sensitive issues and divide the nation.

“As long as the relevant parties involved do not raise sensitive sentiments and fuel spirits that may affect unity and public peace, there is no reason for the police to be there.

“There is no need to worry if they are law-abiding citizens,” he told a press conference today.

Takiyuddin previously claimed there was an “extraordinary attendance” of authorities monitoring PN campaigns for its Pelangai candidate Kasim Samat, and this allegedly caused uneasiness among locals.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan

He claimed the police monitoring Kasim’s walkabouts and house-to-house visits also created reservations among locals to engage with the candidate.

Saifuddin assured that the police remained professional, and the public did not need to worry about their presence, adding that no reports have been lodged involving political parties being prevented from interacting with the people.

“The only thing that has been reported is that the police were present to maintain public order. That’s just a little odd,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister declined to comment on whether he would remain holding the Home Ministry portfolio in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s speculated cabinet reshuffle. - Mkini

‘Orang tak siuman’ cabut batu nisan di kubur Labuan

 

Antara batu nisan yang dicabut di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Jagus di Saguking. (Gambar Bernama)

PETALING JAYA: Sembilan batu nisan dicabut di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Jagus di Saguking, dekat Labuan.

Ahli Jawatankuasa Masjid Nur, Munir Kamari, yang menjaga tanah perkuburan itu kecewa dengan perbuatan vandalisme tersebut dan percaya ia dilakukan secara sengaja.

“Pelaku itu mungkin tidak siuman sehingga sanggup melakukan sedemikian. Jika mereka waras, saya tak rasa mereka sanggup melakukan perbuatan keji itu,” katanya menurut Bernama.

Beliau berkata penduduk setempat sedih dan marah dengan perbuatan itu yang bukan saja tidak mempedulikan kesucian tanah perkuburan, tetapi juga tidak menghormati dan menyakiti hati orang lain.

Ketua Polis Labuan, Mohd Hamizi Halim mengesahkan anggotanya sudah memeriksa kawasan kejadian dan mengumpul maklumat.

“Kami menggesa mana-mana anggota komuniti membuat laporan polis supaya penyiasatan menyeluruh boleh dimulakan.” - FMT

332 relief centres ready to be activated in Sabah to face floods

 

Last year, 15 districts in Sabah were hit by floods, with more than 100 relief centres activated. (Bernama pic)

PAPAR: A total of 332 relief centres have been identified and prepared throughout Sabah to deal with disasters, especially floods and heavy rain during the northeast monsoon later this year.

Sabah, Sarawak affairs and special functions minister Armizan Ali said the relief centres can accommodate 129,096 people.

Last year, 15 districts in Sabah were affected by floods, with 103 relief centres activated to house 17,565 victims.

“I also call on all district disaster management committees to ensure preparations and coordination at the district level are carried out immediately among agencies and NGOs,” Armizan said after attending the “Jaringan Komuniti Madani” programme here today.

On Sept 14, meteorological department director-general Helmi Abdullah said the monsoon transition phase, that began on Sept 19, would continue until November.

On Sept 27, the Sabah disaster management committee secretariat announced that the flood that occurred in the Beaufort district on Sept 22 had fully subsided, with 134 flood victims placed at the Selagon Hall having been allowed to return home. - FMT

Helicopter used to recover body of Indian climber in Cameron Highlands

 

Indian tourist Nandan Suresh Nadkarni, an actuary attending a conference in Kuala Lumpur, had left his hotel to hike up Gunung Jasar in Tanah Rata, on Sept 22. (Facebook pic)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The body of Indian national Nandan Suresh Nadkarni, 44, who went missing on Sept 22 while climbing Gunung Jasar here, was brought down at 11.20am today.

Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman said the victim’s body was airlifted by a helicopter from the Ipoh Air Operation Force after efforts to retrieve the body by a land route failed due to the difficult terrain.

“We found the victim’s body at 3.40pm yesterday at a stream near Pos Atap. It was about 6km from the control post at the foothill of Gunung Jasar.

“Police investigation found that in his descent from the peak of Gunung Jasar, the victim had deviated from the original path, causing him to lose his way in the jungle and enter the border into Perak,” he said in a media conference today.

Earlier, a massive search and rescue operation (SAR) was activated after Suresh, an actuary, failed to return to his hotel.

Closed-circuit television footage showed him leaving the hotel alone for Trail 10 of Gunung Jasar at about 9am on Sept 22.

The SAR operation involved 101 officers and personnel of various agencies, including the fire and rescue department, the Civil Defence Force, Cameron Highlands mountain guides and the Radio Communication and Recreation Club.

Yahaya said the body had been handed over to Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital here for a post-mortem.

He said Suresh’s friend, who had been here since the SAR was launched, had been informed to identify the body.

Suresh had informed his friend that he was climbing Gunung Jasar but he did not return to the hotel or check out, he said.

He said Suresh had checked into Hikers Sleep Port Guest House, Tanah Rata, on Sept 19 and was supposed to check out on Sept 24.

“He was to attend a conference in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 25 and had decided to visit Cameron Highlands earlier for the climb.

“His personal items, such as passport, laptop, wallet and clothes, were still in the room. He had checked in alone,” he said. - FMT

Home ministry vetting 9,539 citizenship applications

 

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (centre) with a boy granted citizenship at a function in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, today. At right is Bandar Tun Razak MP Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 9,539 citizenship applications are being considered by the government for approval as of September this year, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the government, through the home ministry, would always consider every citizenship application fairly.

Saifuddin said the granting of Malaysian citizenship was the exclusive right of the federal government and it cannot be offered arbitrarily.

He said the government had also completed the draft amendments to Part III of the Federal Constitution regarding the acquisition of citizenship.

These would be presented to the Conference of Rulers this month, he said after attending the home ministry’s Madani programme at the Bandar Tun Razak Sports Complex here today.

Saifuddin said engagement sessions with stakeholders on the amendments were ongoing.

“We are still gathering input and we hope to be able to present the amendments at the next Parliament session.”

At the function, Saifuddin presented letters to 19 people who had applied for citizenship.

He said they consisted of two categories — adopted children and naturalised residents.

“Naturalised status (the awarding of citizenship to non-citizens) is for those who have resided in Malaysia for decades and who applied for citizenship numerous times but failed,” he said. - FMT