SMTrack offers RM42,000 reward for info on ‘scandalmongers’

 

SMTrack Bhd has denied it is involved in the implementation of the RFID lanes along highways.

PETALING JAYA: SMTrack Bhd (SMTrack) is offering US$10,000 (RM41,900) to identify those behind allegations that the company is involved in the radio frequency identification (RFID) toll payment system at toll plazas.

In a statement today, the Bursa Malaysia-listed RFID specialist said it is taking proactive measures to identify the “scandalmongers” involved in spreading “baseless accusations” against the company.

The company said the reward will be given to an informant who has factual evidence that can be used in court to implicate individuals or parties involved in spreading the allegations, with the reward to be given on a “first-come first-served basis”.

SMTrack said the reward will be distributed evenly if there is more than one informant.

“We want to take concrete steps against ‘scandalmongers’ who hide behind the name of ‘sources’ and spread fake news and misinformation,” said SMTrack’s deputy executive chairman Azmi Osman.

“Over the last few years, we have seen how propaganda and fake news has spread online and has hurt the integrity of our institutions, whether it is related to health, science, corporations, financial markets or even politics.

“While we want to ensure that whistleblowers are protected, we need to make sure that they do not hurt institutions, corporations or individuals.”

Earlier this month, social media was flooded with pictures of congestion at toll booths and complaints about the RFID payment system which came into effect along the North-South Expressway.

This was followed by claims that SMTrack was involved in the implementation of the project.

The company yesterday denied such allegations, stating that they would confuse the public about the benefits of the RFID technology and hurt the integrity of Malaysia’s capital market. - FMT