Bekas YDP Majlis Daerah Kuala Langat didakwa terima rasuah RM100,000

 Bekas YDP MDKL didakwa terima rasuah RM100,000

Bernama

September 30, 2022

12:26 MYT

Bekas YDP MDKL didakwa terima rasuah RM100,000

Mohd Azhar didakwa melakukan kesemua perbuatan rasuah itu di MDKL, Banting dan di sebuah rumah serta pusat peranginan di Sepang antara 14 Julai 2017 dan 30 April 2019.

SHAH ALAM: Bekas Yang Dipertua (YDP) Majlis Daerah Kuala Langat (MDKL) mengaku tidak bersalah di Mahkamah Sesyen di sini hari ini atas empat pertuduhan menerima rasuah wang tunai berjumlah RM100,000.

Dr Mohd Azhar Mohamed Ali, 48, membuat pengakuan itu selepas pertuduhan terhadapnya dibacakan jurubahasa di hadapan Hakim Rozilah Salleh.

Mengikut kesemua pertuduhan, Mohd Azhar, didakwa sebagai YDP MDKL kini merupakan Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat (MPKL) telah menerima untuk dirinya iaitu wang tunai berjumlah RM100,000 tanpa balasan daripada seorang lelaki dan beliau mengetahui bahawa ia berkaitan dengan tugasan rasminya.

Tertuduh didakwa melakukan kesemua perbuatan itu di MDKL, Banting dan di sebuah rumah serta pusat peranginan di Sepang antara 14 Julai 2017 dan 30 April 2019 mengikut Seksyen 165 Kanun Keseksaan yang memperuntukkan hukuman penjara sehingga dua tahun atau denda atau kedua-duanya, jika sabit kesalahan.

Terdahulu, Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Noryusriza Zulkifli menawarkan jaminan RM100,000 dengan syarat tambahan perlu menyerahkan pasport kepada mahkamah dan melapor diri di pejabat Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) berdekatan sebulan sekali sehingga kes selesai.

Bagaimanapun, peguam Ariff Azami Hussein memohon mahkamah mengenakan jaminan RM20,000 dengan alasan tertuduh menanggung sembilan anak dan lapan daripadanya masih bersekolah selain isterinya seorang suri rumah.

Mahkamah kemudian membenarkan Mohd Azhar diikat jamin RM50,000 dengan seorang penjamin berserta syarat tambahan perlu menyerahkan pasport kepada mahkamah dan melaporkan diri di pejabat SPRM Putrajaya setiap awal bulan.

Tertuduh membayar jaminan tersebut.

Rozilah kemudian menetapkan 26 Okt ini untuk serahan dokumen dan sebutan semula kes.

-- BERNAMA

PM Ismail Sabri arrives home from working visits to New York, Abu Dhabi

 PM Ismail Sabri arrives home from working visits to New York, Abu Dhabi

Bernama

September 30, 2022 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arrived back in Malaysia last night after completing his working visits to New York and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). - Twitter/@BernamaTV

PM Ismail Sabri arrives home from working visits to New York, Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arrived back in Malaysia last night after completing his working visits to New York and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). - Twitter/@BernamaTV

SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arrived back in Malaysia last night after completing his working visits to New York and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The plane carrying the Prime Minister and his delegation arrived at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at about 10.30 pm on Thursday.

The Prime Minister spent four days each in New York and the UAE.

He was welcomed by hundreds present at KLIA, who lauded him for his historic speech in the national language at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Among those present were the staff of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka along with representatives of the Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA) who held up several placards including one that read: "Ismail Sabri a National Hero who Dignified the National Language on the World Stage".

At the UNGA which brought together more than 150 world leaders, Ismail Sabri delivered the national statement entirely in Bahasa Melayu - the first time a Malaysian leader had done so at the world's largest diplomatic gathering.

He also touched on various international issues including the conflicts in Ukraine, Myanmar and Palestine, as well as food security and climate change.

-- BERNAMA

Kidnapped cosmetics product agent is now in KL after being safely rescued- Police

The cosmetic sales agent who was rescued in Thailand is in good condition.

Kidnapped cosmetics product agent safely rescued - Police

Bernama

September 30, 2022

07:26 MYT

Kidnapped cosmetics product agent safely rescued - Police

IGP Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement last night that the victim was rescued with the assistance and sharing of information between the PDRM and the Royal Thai Police who managed to detect the victim in the country. - Astro AWANI

KUALA LUMPUR: A cosmetics product agent who was kidnapped at her home in Tumpat, Kelantan on Sept 13 has been safely rescued and brought home yesterday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement last night that the victim was rescued with the assistance and sharing of information between the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Royal Thai Police who managed to detect the presence of the victim in the country.

He said PDRM thanked their Thai counterparts and the Malaysian embassy in the country for their assistance and aid in efforts to rescue the victim.

According to him, seven local men were detained around Kelantan, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to facilitate investigations into the case and are being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961.

Acryl Sani said a vehicle believed to be used to kidnap the victim was also seized.

During the Sept 13 incident, a 36-year-old woman was kidnapped by several men from her home in Kampung Semat Jal, Tumpat at around 5.10 pm.

The victim was suspected to have been smuggled out of the country through an illegal jetty in Kuala Jambu, Tumpat after the car used by the suspects was located.

-- BERNAMA

The cosmetic sales agent who was rescued in Thailand after being run over by a group of men at her residence in Tumpat on September 13, is in good condition.

Kelantan Police Chief, Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun, said the victim Rosnazirah Mohd Naim , 36, is still in Kuala Lumpur and will be brought home in the near future.

"Alhamdulillah the victim is in good condition and is now in Kuala Lumpur. In a little while he will be brought home.

"No payment was made during her disappearance and I also thank the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who worked hard on this case," he said at a press conference here today.

MACC busts cartel in MBSA over project monopoly

 MACC busts cartel in MBSA over project monopoly

Bernama

September 30, 2022 

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said so far nine individuals, including several MBSA staff and a senior officer, have been involved in the investigation. - BERNAMA

MACC busts cartel in MBSA over project monopoly

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said so far nine individuals, including several MBSA staff and a senior officer, have been involved in the investigation. - BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) busted a cartel in the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) that is believed to have been monopolising project tenders in the local authority following a raid last Sunday.

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MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said so far nine individuals, including several MBSA staff and a senior officer, have been involved in the investigation.

"Nine people were arrested and the MACC is still investigating. One of the findings we got was that the senior officer received valuables worth tens of thousands of ringgit, we are investigating how corruption occurred and how a company controlled 30 other companies to get projects in MBSA," he told reporters here yesterday.

Last Sunday, the MACC arrested three individuals, namely two MBSA officials and a contractor believed to be in connection with a state government project.

Azam added that the MACC is also expected to complete the investigation into the case of false claims and embezzlement of the Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (Penjana Kerja) involving RM100 million within a month.

He said the investigation of the case took some time because it involved many suspects and many other parties, but so far MACC has opened 62 investigation papers and detained 38 men and 13 women to assist in the investigation.

"This case has nothing to do with politics, it is like daylight robbery where a group of individuals saw an opportunity (to take advantage) of the government's generosity to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

MACC had earlier undertaken a large-scale operation with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to investigate the issue of false claims and the embezzlement of Penjana Kerja funds in several states across the country.

The operation was a follow-up to information obtained following monitoring and intelligence by the MACC in collaboration with Socso which found that there were employers who submitted false claims and misappropriated the programme's funds.

-- BERNAMA

Police arrest 14 individuals involved in video blackmail syndicate

 Police arrest 14 individuals involved in video blackmail syndicate

Bernama

September 29, 2022 

Police have arrested 14 individuals to facilitate investigations into a syndicate blackmailing people using nude videos on social media that has resulted in losses of RM306,101, said Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain. - BERNAMA

Police arrest 14 individuals involved in video blackmail syndicate

Police have arrested 14 individuals to facilitate investigations into a syndicate blackmailing people using nude videos on social media that has resulted in losses of RM306,101, said Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain. - BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: The police have arrested 14 individuals to facilitate investigations into a syndicate blackmailing people using nude videos on social media that has resulted in losses of RM306,101.

Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the 10 men and four women, aged 23 to 60, were arrested in a special operation from Sept 16 to 19 at different locations around Johor, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, adding that they were involved in the blackmailing activities of the syndicate and gave the syndicate access to their bank accounts.

"The syndicate would use their bank accounts and money from illicit activities was deposited in before being sent to the syndicate, which is slightly different from mule accounts, where the owners handed their ATM cards to scammers," he said at a media conference today.

The police also seized 13 mobile phones, eight ATM cards and a bank book during their arrests, he said, adding that with their arrests police believe they have solved 12 cases in Penang and 27 cases in Selangor, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang and Sarawak.

He added that 76 police reports were lodged in Penang about the syndicate involving RM306,101 in losses, with the highest individual amount being RM69,000.

-- BERNAMA

Human trafficking: Immediate action to rescue Malaysians, says PM

 Human trafficking: Immediate action to rescue Malaysians, says PM

Bernama

September 29, 2022 

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has given his assurance that the government will do its very best to resolve the issue of human trafficking involving Malaysians in several ASEAN countries. - PMO

Human trafficking: Immediate action to rescue Malaysians, says PM

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has given his assurance that the government will do its very best to resolve the issue of human trafficking involving Malaysians in several ASEAN countries. - PMO

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has given his assurance that the government will do its very best to resolve the issue of human trafficking involving Malaysians in several ASEAN countries.

The prime minister said he had received several Tik Tok videos on the cases and had referred them to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani for further action.

"I would like to state that the government is serious about resolving this issue. The matter was discussed in the Cabinet meeting last month.

"The Foreign Ministry and the Home Ministry have been instructed to take immediate and aggressive action," he said in a Facebook post today.

The prime minister also uploaded a screenshot of Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim's Tiktok video in which he (Hishamuddin) had urged the government to take immediate action on the matter.

In the video, Hishamuddin called on the government to help Malaysian embassies, especially in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, in their effort to rescue Malaysians who are still being held captive by human trafficking syndicates.

He also urged the government to approve special allocations to the three embassies to help manage logistics and staff, including ensuring sufficient manpower as diplomatic staff there had been working round the clock to track down stranded Malaysians.

-- BERNAMA

Najib's account was 'sensitive' as he is a politically-exposed person - Witness

 Najib's account was 'sensitive' as he is a politically-exposed person - Witness

Bernama

September 29, 2022

19:45 MYT

Najib's account was 'sensitive' as he is a politically-exposed person - Witness

An AmBank officer told the High Court here today that he had to be careful in handling Najib Razak's personal bank account as it was deemed a sensitive account that belonged to a politically-exposed person (PEP). - Astro AWANI/Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: An AmBank officer told the High Court here today that he had to be careful in handling Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's personal bank account as it was deemed a sensitive account that belonged to a politically-exposed person (PEP).

AmBank Private Banking Capital Market Head Desk, Yap Wai Keat, 57, said it was also because a large amount of money was being remitted via two transactions in the former premier's personal bank account with the code name AmPrivate Banking-MR in 2011.

"At that point of time, Datuk Seri (Najib) was our prime minister and there was a large amount of money being transacted.

"If the currency market actually knows, in terms of the amount, it (currency market) would have taken a position ahead and it would affect the Ringgit value," he said during cross-examination by Najib's counsel Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed at Najib's trial involving the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Yesterday, the 38th prosecution witness testified that he was tasked to execute the conversion of the money, from US$ to MYR, remitted in by a Saudi prince, Prince Faisal Bin Turkey Bin Bandar Al Saud on Feb 2 and June 14, 2011.

Referring to two Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) documents, Yap said US$9,999,977 was converted to RM30,449,929.97 on Feb 24, 2011, and another US$9,999,970 was converted to RM30,179,909.46 on June 14, 2011.

Wan Aizuddin then questioned the witness whether the currency market would be affected if the beneficiary was not Najib and the amount of monies coming in was only US$10 million, which the witness answered in the negative.

"No, the market would not be affected because US$10 million was not much as compared to the amount coming into Datuk Seri's account. You have to be careful because the amount (of monies) was much larger, that's why I think Datuk Seri's relationship manager (another AmBank officer, Joanna Yu) created a code name AmPrivate Banking-MR for him," said the witness.

Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues on Oct 3.

-- BERNAMA

Ebit Lew trial: Police officer seized handphone without checking contents

 Ebit Lew trial: Police officer seized handphone without checking contents

Bernama

September 29, 2022 

A police officer assigned with seizing a handphone from a witness in preacher Ebit Lew's sexual harassment case did not check the contents on the device, despite knowing the case was linked to the preacher. - Astro AWANI

Ebit Lew trial: Police officer seized handphone without checking contents

A police officer assigned with seizing a handphone from a witness in preacher Ebit Lew's sexual harassment case did not check the contents on the device, despite knowing the case was linked to the preacher. - Astro AWANI

TENOM: A police officer assigned with seizing a handphone from a witness in preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew or Ebit Lew's sexual harassment case did not check the contents on the device, despite knowing the case was linked to the preacher.

ASP Salwani Mohd Hadzir, 40 told the Magistrate's Court here that even though she was informed the case involved Lew, she had no idea it was pertaining to sexual harassment.

"I was only informed by the investigating officer DSP Noor Ashikin Shamsuri that the case involved Ebit Lew," she told counsel Ram Singh during cross-examination at the preacher's sexual harassment trial today.

However, Salwani said she had typed in Section 509 of the Penal Code on a set of three photographs of the handphone and SIM card that she seized from Mohd Fairuz Abu on Oct 5, 2021 at his house in Alor Setar.

Salwani, the Staff Officer of the Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department's Women and Children Section, agreed with the defence counsel that when she seized the handphone from Mohd Fairuz, she knew it contained relevant matters with regard to a Tenom case.

Salwani testified further that said she had read news articles on the accused via social media before she went to Mohd Fairuz's house to seize his handphone.

During re-examination, the police officer said she did not inspect the contents of the seized phone as each case material is required to be sent to the Royal Malaysian Police Forensics Department for analysis.

On labeling the set of photographs of the seized handphone and SIM card with Section 509 of the Penal Code, Salwani said she typed it out when delivering the seized items to the investigating officer at Bukit Aman.

When asked by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad why Section 509 was typed out, the witness said it was because the investigation being carried out involved that section.

The prosecution today also called its third witness, preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, 39, who is also founder and president of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM).

He told the court that the complainant in the case was among several sexual harassment victims to whom his NGO had extended assistance.

Lew, 37, faces 11 charges, including insulting the modesty of a woman in her 40s by sending obscene words to the victim's phone number via the WhatsApp application between March and June last year.

The charge under Section 509 of the Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The trial continues tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA

Waktu perkhidmatan Stesen LRT Bukit Jalil dilanjutkan sehingga 1 pagi pada 1 Okt

 Waktu perkhidmatan Stesen LRT Bukit Jalil dilanjutkan sehingga 1 pagi pada 1 Okt

Bernama

September 29, 2022 

Rapid KL meminta pengguna LRT menggunakan kad Touch N' Go untuk kelancaran perjalanan. - Gambar fail

Waktu perkhidmatan Stesen LRT Bukit Jalil dilanjutkan sehingga 1 pagi pada 1 Okt

Rapid KL meminta pengguna LRT menggunakan kad Touch N' Go untuk kelancaran perjalanan. - Gambar fail

KUALA LUMPUR: Rapid KL akan melanjutkan waktu perkhidmatannya sehingga pukul 1 pagi pada 1 Okt ini di Stesen Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) Bukit Jalil bagi menyokong keperluan pengguna menghadiri beberapa acara di sekitar Kompleks Sukan Negara di sini.

Dalam kenyataan hari ini Rapid KL memaklumkan stesen sambungan akan turut dilanjutkan bagi membawa penumpang ke destinasi akhir.

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"Pengguna diminta menggunakan kad Touch N' Go untuk kelancaran perjalanan," menurut kenyataan itu.

Orang ramai boleh mengikuti laman sosial Twitter dan Facebook MyRapidKL untuk maklumat lanjut.

-- BERNAMA

Saudi king names crown prince MbS as prime minister

 Saudi king names crown prince MbS as prime minister

Reuters

September 28, 2022 

Crown Prince Mohammed has changed Saudi Arabia radically since rising to power in 2017, leading efforts to diversify the economy from its dependence on oil, allowing women to drive and curbing clerics' powers. - REUTERS/Filepic

Saudi king names crown prince MbS as prime minister

Crown Prince Mohammed has changed Saudi Arabia radically since rising to power in 2017, leading efforts to diversify the economy from its dependence on oil, allowing women to drive and curbing clerics' powers. - REUTERS/Filepic

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz named his son and heir Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the kingdom's prime minister and his second son Prince Khalid as defence minister, a royal decree showed on Tuesday.

The reshuffle kept another son, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as energy minister, the aged king said in the royal decree, carried by state news agency SPA.

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Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan and Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih remain in their positions, the decree showed.

The crown prince, known as MbS, is promoted from defence minister and has been the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter and a major U.S. ally in the Middle East.

His new role as prime minister is in line with the king's previous delegation of duties to him, including representing the kingdom on foreign visits and chairing summits hosted by the kingdom, a Saudi official said.

"HRH the crown prince, based on the king's orders, already supervises the main executive bodies of the state on a daily basis, and his new role as prime minister is within that context," said the official, who declined to be identified.

‏Historically, such delegation of duties has taken place in the kingdom several times, the official said.

Prince Khalid bin Salman, MbS's younger brother, previously served as deputy defence minister.

The crown prince said the kingdom has increased its self-sufficiency in military industries to 15% from 2% and plans to reach 50% under the newly appointed defence minister, SPA reported.

King Salman will still preside over the Cabinet meetings he attends, the decree showed. After the decree was made, state TV showed the king chairing a weekly cabinet meeting.

The 86-year-old king, the custodian of Islam's holiest sites, became ruler in 2015 after spending over 2-1/2 years as crown prince. He has been hospitalised several times over the past two years for various ailments.

Crown Prince Mohammed has changed Saudi Arabia radically since rising to power in 2017, leading efforts to diversify the economy from its dependence on oil, allowing women to drive and curbing clerics' powers.

His reforms, however, have come with a crackdown on dissent, with activists, royals, women rights' activists and businessmen jailed.

The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018 has tarnished his reputation and strained the kingdom's relations with the United States and other Western allies.

Mercedes extends partnership with Petronas

 Motor racing - Mercedes extends partnership with Petronas

Reuters

September 28, 2022 

Mercedes have won the constructors title eight times since partnering with Petronas in 2010, though drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are yet to win a race this season. - REUTERS/Filepic

Motor racing - Mercedes extends partnership with Petronas

Mercedes have won the constructors title eight times since partnering with Petronas in 2010, though drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are yet to win a race this season. - REUTERS/Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Mercedes Formula One team said on Wednesday it will renew its title and technical partnership with Malaysian oil company Petronas from 2026.

Mercedes have won the constructors title eight times since partnering with Petronas in 2010, though drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are yet to win a race this season.

"Today we are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years' time," said CEO and team principal Toto Wolff.

"This sends an important message: our team and Petronas are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come.

"From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions."

Wolff, Hamilton and Russell are in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Life expectancy of Malaysians to be shorter - Statistics Department

 Life expectancy of Malaysians to be shorter - Statistics Department

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

For babies born in 2022, their average life expectancy is predicted to be shorter at an average of 73.4 years, slightly down from 74.5 years for babies born in 2021, according to the figures released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, today.

Life expectancy of Malaysians to be shorter - Statistics Department

For babies born in 2022, their average life expectancy is predicted to be shorter at an average of 73.4 years, slightly down from 74.5 years for babies born in 2021, according to the figures released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, today.

KUALA LUMPUR: For babies born in 2022, their average life expectancy is predicted to be shorter at an average of 73.4 years, slightly down from 74.5 years for babies born in 2021, according to the figures released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, today.

The statistics of life expectancy in this country have been recording a drop since 2020, partly contributed by the excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Based on the statistics, Malaysian women are expected to live longer than the men, with the difference of 4.5 years in 2022.

Male babies born in 2020 are expected to live for an average of 72.5 years, 72.3 years (2021) and 71.3 years (2022), while the female babies are expected to live for 77.2 years, 77 years (2021) and 75.8 years (2022), according to the department.

The males and females who reach the age of 15 this year, are respectively expected to live for another 56.9 years and 61.3 years.

Those aged 60 in 2022 are expected to live for another 17.5 and 20.1 years, reaching the age of 77.5 and 80.1 years for the males and females respectively.

Males and females aged 65 in 2022 are expected to live for another 14.2 and 16.4 years respectively. This means that the males are expected to live until the age 79.2 years and the females until 81.4 years.

The Chinese are expected to have the longest life expectancy, with the men for 73.5 years and the women, 79.4 years.

Six states are recorded as having life expectancies that exceed the national level (73.4 years), with Selangor (75.2 years); the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur (74.0 years), Putrajaya and Labuan (74.5 years); Sarawak (74.3 years) and Sabah (73.5 years) in 2022.

-- BERNAMA

Culik pengurup wang: Lima lelaki dipenjara seumur hidup dan 10 sebatan

 Culik pengurup wang: Lima lelaki dipenjara seumur hidup dan 10 sebatan

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

Culik pengurup wang: Lima lelaki dipenjara seumur hidup dan 10 sebatan

Mahkamah memerintahkan setiap tertuduh menjalani hukuman penjara itu bermula dari tarikh tangkap pada 2 dan 3 Oktober 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Lima lelaki dipenjara seumur hidup dan dikenakan 10 sebatan oleh Mahkamah Tinggi di sini hari ini selepas didapati bersalah menculik seorang pengurup wang bagi mendapatkan wang tebusan RM3 juta, enam tahun lepas.

Hakim Datuk Akhtar Tahir menjatuhkan hukuman itu selepas mendapati pihak pembelaan gagal menimbulkan keraguan munasabah terhadap T. Shasitaran, 38, A. Ashokan, 39, Mohd Sultan Ahmad Kabir, 43, Ong San Chia, 37, dan Yeoh Shyh Ming, 33, di akhir kes pembelaan.

Mahkamah memerintahkan setiap tertuduh menjalani hukuman penjara itu bermula dari tarikh tangkap pada 2 dan 3 Oktober 2016. Mereka dihantar ke Penjara Pulau Pinang untuk menjalani hukuman penjara.

Sebelum ini, kes itu dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi George Town di hadapan Hakim Akhtar, namun keputusan disampaikan oleh hakim tersebut di Mahkamah Tinggi di sini selepas beliau dipindahkan ke mahkamah itu.

Dalam penghakimannya, Hakim Akhtar berkata terdapat bukti menunjukkan mangsa diculik di hadapan rumahnya dan kesemua tertuduh menuntut wang tebusan.

Katanya, mahkamah mendapati kesemua tertuduh telah berbohong ketika memberikan keterangan bela diri bahawa mangsa tersalah mengenal pasti mereka yang menculiknya.

"Satu-satunya perkara yang perlu dipertimbangkan ialah niat untuk menculik dan mengurung mangsa, adakah untuk mengutip hutang, seperti yang dikatakan oleh kesemua tertuduh?

"Namun, mahkamah mendapati pembelaan kesemua tertuduh tidak logik dan difikirkan semula kerana mereka berada di penjara bersama-sama dan mempunyai masa mencukupi untuk mengemukakan cerita sama," kata hakim itu dan menambah keterangan mangsa bahawa mereka menculiknya adalah benar.

Bagaimanapun, Hakim Akhtar berkata mangsa, yang menghidap penyakit diabetes hanya cedera pada ibu jarinya selepas tangannya digari dan mahkamah mendapati tiada keganasan melampau berlaku dalam kes itu.

Mengikut pertuduhan, mereka didakwa melarikan secara salah dan menahan lelaki itu bagi mendapatkan wang tebusan sebanyak RM3 juta di tepi Jalan Rumbia berdekatan Kristal Garden, Bayan Lepas, kira-kira 10.30 pagi, 28 September 2016.

Pertuduhan dikemukakan mengikut Seksyen 3(1) Akta Penculikan 1961 dan dibaca bersama Seksyen 34 Kanun Keseksaan yang memperuntukkan hukuman mati atau penjara seumur hidup atau sebatan.

Pada 1 Mac lepas, Mahkamah Tinggi George Town memerintahkan kesemua tertuduh membela diri terhadap pertuduhan itu selepas pihak pendakwaan berjaya membuktikan kes prima facie terhadap kelima-lima lelaki itu.

Terdahulu, Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Muna Mohamed Jaafar berkata mitigasi kesemua tertuduh adalah bersifat peribadi semata-mata dan mahkamah perlu mengambil kira perbuatan mereka dalam menjatuhkan hukuman.

"Dinyatakan dalam Akta Penculikan, hukuman bagi kesalahan menculik adalah hukuman mati atau penjara seumur hidup dan sekiranya tidak dihukum dengan hukuman mati, boleh dikenakan sebatan.

"Ketika kejadian, mangsa berumur 66 tahun dan lelaki itu ditahan beberapa hari dengan tangannya bergari dan mata ditutup sebelum polis menemukannya," katanya dan menambah pihak pendakwaan menyerahkan kepada budi bicara mahkamah dalam menjatuhkan hukuman.

Peguam yang mewakili tertuduh memohon anak guam mereka tidak dikenakan hukuman mati sebaliknya penjara seumur hidup dengan alasan mereka menanggung keluarga.

Dalam prosiding itu, Shasitaran diwakili peguam K. Thangesvaran, Ashokan diwakili Chew Anthony, Muhamad Sultan diwakili Dev Chander manakala Ong dan Yeoh diwakili Ravi Chandran.

-- BERNAMA

Man sentenced to 18 years jail for killing infant daughter

Man sentenced to 18 years jail for killing infant daughter

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

A man convicted of beating his infant daughter that led to her death, Maidin Ibnu Hashim, 56, was sentenced to 18 years jail by the Labuan High Court today. - BERNAMA/Filepic

Man sentenced to 18 years jail for killing infant daughter

A man convicted of beating his infant daughter that led to her death, Maidin Ibnu Hashim, 56, was sentenced to 18 years jail by the Labuan High Court today. - BERNAMA/Filepic

LABUAN: A man convicted of beating his infant daughter that led to her death was sentenced to 18 years jail by the Labuan High Court today.

Judge Leonard David Shim ordered the jail sentence to run from the date of his arrest on Aug 18, 2018.

Maidin Ibnu Hashim, 56, formerly a civil servant, had pleaded not guilty to murdering the nine-month-old girl between Aug 10-13, 2018 in his rented house in Kg Gersik Lama, when the case was first brought to the Labuan High Court on Jan 25, 2022.

The charge was subsequently amended from Section 302 of the Penal Code (murder) to Section 304 (a) of the same code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)

The hearing commenced on Feb 28, 2022 with the prosecution calling 15 witnesses during the course of the trial.

On May 15, 2022, the judge found the prosecution had proven a prima facie against him and ordered the accused to enter his defence.

Based on the charge sheet, the case was opened on Aug 15, 2018, when the post-mortem showed the death was due to severe head injury, soft tissue injuries to the face, mixed superficial and deep dermal burn over the fingers and toes and underlying bronchopneumonia'.

The man was arrested on Aug 16, 2018, and initially charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code at the Labuan Magistrate's Court on Aug 29, 2018, and subsequently ordered to be remanded at the Kepayan Prison, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, pending a full investigation report.

The case was then remitted to the Labuan High Court because only high courts have jurisdiction the hear murder cases. Murder is a capital offence.

The motive was because the accused suspected the child was not his. His wife is currently serving a jail sentence for a drug offence.

-- BERNAMA

Defence in Najib's 1MDB trial presents letter from Saudi prince on US$100 mln cash gift

 

Defence in Najib's 1MDB trial presents letter from Saudi prince on US$100 mln cash gift

Bernama

September 28, 2022 17:23 MYT

Defence in Najib's 1MDB trial presents letter from Saudi prince on US$100 mln cash gift

The defence in Najib's 1MDB RM2.3 billion graft trial submitted a letter from the royal family of Saudi Arabia stating that the former prime minister received a cash gift of US$100 million as a recognition of his contribution to the Islamic world.

KUALA LUMPUR: The defence in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) RM2.3 billion graft trial today submitted a letter from the royal family of Saudi Arabia stating that the former prime minister received a cash gift of US$100 million as a recognition of his contribution to the Islamic world.

The letter, bearing a letter head by the Private Office of Saud Abdulaziz Majid Al Saud, who is a former governor of Madinah Province and a member of House of Saud, said the gift was in view of the friendship that the two had developed over the years as well as in appreciation of Najib's new ideas as a modern Islamic leader.

Najib's counsel Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed, when reading out the letter signed by the prince on Feb 1, 2011, said the letter among others stated that the prince granted Najib US$100 million as a gift which shall be remitted to Najib's account.

"The letter also stated that Najib shall have absolute discretion to determine how the gift shall be utilised to promote Islam so it continues to flourish, and the prince added he did not expect to receive any personal benefit whether directly or indirectly as a result of the gift," said the lawyer.

Wan Aizuddin was questioning the 37th prosecution witness, AmBank (M) Berhad Jalan Raja Chulan branch manager R. Uma Devi, about the letter during cross-examination, while referring her to two documents regarding deposits amounting to RM60.6 million and RM30.2 million received by Najib between February and June 2011.

Wan Aizuddin: Would you agree that there is an irresistible conclusion that the US$100 million mentioned in the letter and these two transactions would be a personal gift?

Uma Devi: I cannot conclude because the amount differs and (am) also not sure whether the letter was given to the bank prior to these transactions.

Wan Aizuddin: From the branch's side, this letter has never been cited?

Uma Devi: Yes.

The 43-year-old banker also testified that nothing was done to stop the remittance of US$620 million into Najib's bank account in August 2013, as no red flag was triggered by the bank when the transactions took place.

She explained that there were several trigger points which the bank looked for, such as the amount of transfer, the purpose, and disclosure of information from the customer.

"A screening will be done based on these trigger points. The customer will not be informed (of red flag) as this would alert them," she said, adding that the customer will not be alerted to enable the bank to conduct its investigations when the red flag is raised.

Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues.

-- BERNAMA

RM2.23 bln dumped in Najib's account by companies linked to Jho Low, Prince Faisal - Witness

 RM2.23 bln dumped in Najib's account by companies linked to Jho Low, Prince Faisal - Witness

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

A banker today told the High Court that RM2.23 billion was deposited into Najib Razak's personal account from 2011 up to 2013 by three parties, including two companies linked to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low. - Astro AWANI/Filepic

RM2.23 bln dumped in Najib's account by companies linked to Jho Low, Prince Faisal - Witness

A banker today told the High Court that RM2.23 billion was deposited into Najib Razak's personal account from 2011 up to 2013 by three parties, including two companies linked to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low. - Astro AWANI/Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: A banker today told the High Court here that a total of RM2.23 billion was deposited into Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's personal account from 2011 up to 2013 by three parties, including two companies linked to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low.

AmBank Private Banking Capital Market Desk Head, Yap Wai Keat, 57, said the two companies, namely Blackstone Asia Real Estate Partners and Tanore Finance Corp, have deposited a total of RM2.2 billion into the former prime minister's account ending 694, via 11 transactions in 2012 and 2013.

He said apart from the said companies, Najib also received RM60.6 million from Prince Faisal Bin Turkey Bandar Al Saud via two transactions in February and June 2011.

The 38th prosecution witness said this when reading his witness statement during an examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam at Najib's corruption and money laundering trial involving RM2.3 billion belonging to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Yap who was involved in the quotations of foreign exchange rates for inwards or outwards remittances at that point of time said he was instructed by Najib's AmBank relationship manager, Joanna Yu Ging Ping to assist in matters pertaining to foreign exchange under the Market Division for this account.

"The information on this incoming money was relayed by the Remittance Division to me and Najib's relationship manager that is Joanna Yu to enable her to inform the client that there was incoming money flowing into Najib's account.

"Joanna Yu instructed me to execute the conversion of money from USD to MYR after she had obtained approval from the client (Najib). Subsequent to that, my department did the necessary by entering relevant data into a system called MUREX where conversion was done in accordance with the agreed rate as per contract.

"Then, my department contacted the Remittance Division and informed them of the contract number and the exchange rate.

"With regards to this particular transaction, my department acted upon instructions as directed to me by Joanna Yu after she had received instructions from the client," he explained.

Najib, 69, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA

Banker confirms Ambank paid RM2.83 bln to M'sian govt over 1MDB scandal

 Banker confirms Ambank paid RM2.83 bln to M'sian govt over 1MDB scandal

Bernama

September 27, 2022

A banker, R. Uma Devi, today told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that AmBank had paid a RM2.83 billion settlement to the government of Malaysia over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. - BERNAMA/Filepic

Banker confirms Ambank paid RM2.83 bln to M'sian govt over 1MDB scandal

A banker, R. Uma Devi, today told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that AmBank had paid a RM2.83 billion settlement to the government of Malaysia over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. - BERNAMA/Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: A banker today told the High Court here that AmBank had paid a RM2.83 billion settlement to the government of Malaysia over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

Jalan Raja Chulan AmBank (M) Berhad branch manager, R. Uma Devi, 43, who confirmed the matter, however, said, she did not know if the settlement involved Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

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She said this during cross-examination by the former premier's counsel, Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed, at Najib's corruption and money laundering trial involving RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB.

Wan Aizuddin: Were you aware of the settlement arrangement between AmBank and the government of Malaysia pertaining to the entire episode?

Uma: Yes, actually I heard about it. We were informed, but the details were not so much. We knew that there was a settlement made by AmBank.

"We were just told that the bank had actually made a settlement with the government in regards to not being implicated in any of the 1MDB issues. That's all I know," she added.

To a question by Wan Aizuddin whether the settlement was purely limited to 1MDB and had nothing to do with Najib's accounts, the 37th prosecution witness replied, "This one, I'm not sure."

Previously, the Ministry of Finance announced that the bank had agreed to pay RM2.83 billion to the Malaysian government as a global settlement on all outstanding claims and actions in relation to the AmBank Group's involvement in the 1MDB matter.

During today's proceeding, the banker also testified that in July 2015, Bank Negara Malaysia conducted a raid on the branch (AmBank, Jalan Raja Chulan) and requested a list of documents including Najib's bank accounts.

Najib, 69, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA

Man allegedly receives RM1,700 worth of fake notes in mobile phone transaction

 Man allegedly receives RM1,700 worth of fake notes in mobile phone transaction

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

Kajang District Police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan said only the RM50 notes that the victim received were genuine and it was understood that the victim had sold his mobile phone to raise capital for business. - Facebook/Polis Selangor

Man allegedly receives RM1,700 worth of fake notes in mobile phone transaction

Kajang District Police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan said only the RM50 notes that the victim received were genuine and it was understood that the victim had sold his mobile phone to raise capital for business. - Facebook/Polis Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: A man allegedly fell victim to a fake money transaction when selling his mobile phone to a local woman on Sept 20.

Kajang District Police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan said the victim became aware of the fraud after he failed to deposit 17 RM100 notes he received into his bank account.

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"Earlier, the victim had advertised a mobile phone that he wanted to sell on Facebook, and after agreeing to a price offer of RM1,950, he met the suspect who came in a brown Kia Cerato car driven by a man at the Billion Shopping Centre in Bandar Teknologi Kajang.

"The suspect handed over 17 RM100 notes and five RM50 notes. After concluding the transaction, the victim went to deposit the money into his account and realised that all the RM100 notes were not accepted by the cash deposit machine (CDM)," he said in a statement last night.

He said only the RM50 notes that the victim received were genuine and it was understood that the victim had sold his mobile phone to raise capital for business.

Mohd Zaid advised the public to be wary of fraud using counterfeit money and not to act in haste when making purchases in cash or Cash On Delivery (COD).

"Identify the individuals who you're dealing with first and check the latest modus operandi (of fraudsters) through the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department's Facebook and Royal Malaysia Police's Cyber Crime Alert," he said, adding that the case was being investigated according to Section 489B of the Penal Code.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysians cash in as pound and yen tumble

 Malaysians cash in as pound and yen tumble

Agencies

September 28, 2022 

With the British pound and yen also taking a beating, Malaysians are quickly capitalising on the drop. - REUTERS/Filepic

Malaysians cash in as pound and yen tumble

With the British pound and yen also taking a beating, Malaysians are quickly capitalising on the drop. - REUTERS/Filepic

PETALING JAYA: DESPITE the buzz over the ringgit’s slide against the US dollar, the tumbling of several major currencies has also been a boon to Malaysians.

With the British pound and yen also taking a beating, Malaysians are quickly capitalising on the drop, mainly for their children’s education fees, while those looking to travel to Japan have also seized the opportunity to purchase the yen well in advance of their trips.

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Construction developer YT Tan, 55, said he was considering buying more British pounds after observing current rates.

“I made some exchanges earlier this year to pay for my son’s final year of education in the United Kingdom, but seeing how the rates are currently more favourable, I may consider purchasing more British pounds.

“This would mainly be towards financing the family’s trip to my son’s graduation ceremony there next year.

“The amount exchanged, however, won’t be as much when compared to the education fees,” he said.

Cardiff-based student Elite Teoh, 20, said his family too was considering purchasing more pounds given the current exchange rates.

“Prior to travelling there earlier this month, my family and I exchanged the pound at about RM5.30.

“Seeing that it is currently hovering between 5 and 5.1 (at press time), we may want to capitalise on this,” he said, adding that his family in Malaysia would continue dropping by money changers this week, and make the exchanges if rates were satisfactory.

Ecommerce training manager Evan Wong Hon Kitt, 33, said he went to eight different money changers here to source for the yen.

“Seeing that Japan had recently announced the reopening of its borders beginning Oct 11, I decided to quickly exchange the currencies for a trip both later this year and next year,” he said.

He added that he has been keeping track of the exchange rates since the country announced plans to lift its travel ban earlier this year.

However, during his rounds, Wong found many money changers in Petaling Jaya were out of yen, while one was selling it at 1,000 yen at RM40, above the market rate of RM31.

“Outlets which had the yen were selling at the market rate,” he said, adding that there were also long lines during his visit to several money changers.

He said his decision came about following advice from a friend residing there, who mentioned that it was better to purchase much earlier in anticipation of the rising rates once travel fully resumed in Japan.

Checks on money changer outlets in the Klang Valley also saw outlets running low on both the pound and yen.

Describing it as a hectic Monday, money changer Nadia Nabila said lines formed late Monday evening, following the tumbling of the pound.

“We sold out almost every note of the pound sterling, where we only have a five-pound note currently left,” she said, showing it to reporters.

She added that the yen was also sold out at their premises.

Another money changer, Affin Aizan, said he only had four yen notes left.

“The pound (notes) finished on Monday night itself, with the yen also currently in high demand,” he said, adding that they were unsure when more notes would be coming in.

Another money changer, Mohd Padin, was totally out of the pound and yen when met.

Malik Maju Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Thamemul Anzari Dastigeer said his outlet received a slew of enquiries on Monday evening.

“The calls kept coming in, with some also instantly making the decision to exchange for the pound at our outlet upon seeing the rates,” he said, adding that his outlet also stocked up on the pound last week.

Thamemul said he was glad there was still a healthy demand for the pound as it enabled his outlets to finish their existing stocks and avoid further losses if the pound continued to depreciate.

Man held for crashing car into two others after misunderstanding

 Man held for crashing car into two others after misunderstanding

Bernama

September 28, 2022 

Seri Alam District Police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the incident is believed to have been caused by a misunderstanding in the bar and continued outside the premises between the two men. - BERNAMA

Man held for crashing car into two others after misunderstanding

Seri Alam District Police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the incident is believed to have been caused by a misunderstanding in the bar and continued outside the premises between the two men. - BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU: Two men were injured after a car, driven by another man, hit them following an alleged misunderstanding that occurred in a bar in Taman Molek, here, early Monday morning (Sept 26).

Seri Alam District Police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said they had previously viewed a video clip lasting one minute and 37 seconds, which went viral on the WhatsApp application, showing the commotion and fight which resulted in the two men being hit by the car.

Confirming having received a report regarding the incident, which occurred at 5 am on Monday, he said it involved two local men aged 30 and 36.

"The incident is believed to have been caused by a misunderstanding in the bar and continued outside the premises between the two men.

"The 30-year-old man then got into a car and hit the victim as well as another 35-year-old local man who happened to be at the location. Although they were both injured, they are in stable condition," he said in a statement last night.

Following that, Mohd Sohaimi said police managed to detain the man believed to be involved in the incident at Jalan Persisiran, Seri Alam, Masai at 9.10 pm yesterday.

He said the suspect, whose urine test came back negative, had no previous record, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code.

-- BERNAMA

Ibu Tular Dakwa Anak Didera Ala Militan Dihadap Ke Mahkamah

 

New cypher for Britain's King Charles unveiled

 New cypher for Britain's King Charles unveiled

Reuters

September 27, 2022 

The new cypher that will be used by King Charles III, announced by Buckingham Palace, Monday September 26, 2022. - Buckingham Palace/Handout via REUTERS.

New cypher for Britain's King Charles unveiled

The new cypher that will be used by King Charles III, announced by Buckingham Palace, Monday September 26, 2022. - Buckingham Palace/Handout via REUTERS.

LONDON: Britain will gradually see coins, banknotes and stamps bearing the image of King Charles, while the new monarch's cypher will also appear on government buildings and red mail pillar boxes, manufacturers and Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday.

As the country begins adapting to its first new head of state for 70 years, the makers of its currency and stamps said they would begin the slow process of switching from using an image of the late Queen Elizabeth to the new king.

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"The first coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and post offices," said Anne Jessopp, the Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Mint.

"This means the coinage of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II will co-circulate in the UK for many years to come."

The replacement process will take some time with the Royal Mint estimating there are some 27 billion coins bearing an effigy of the late queen who died this month.

Likewise, the Bank of England said banknotes with a portrait of Charles were expected to enter circulation by the middle of 2024, and it would reveal images of the updated notes by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Royal Mail said the current picture of the late queen used on "everyday" stamps would be updated to feature an image of Charles. Those new stamps will enter circulation once the current stock are exhausted.

All existing currency and stamps bearing the queen's image will remain valid.

Buckingham Palace has also unveiled the new cypher for Charles - the sovereign's monogram which is used on state documents, by government departments and by the Royal Household for franking mail as well as appearing on pillar boxes - but only new ones that have not yet entered production.

The cypher, selected by the new monarch from a series of designs prepared by the College of Arms, consists of the initials 'C' and 'R' - representing Charles's name and "Rex", the Latin for king - alongside a depiction of the crown.

"The decision to replace cyphers will be at the discretion of individual organisations, and the process will be gradual," the palace said.

Germany and England draw in six-goal thriller, Italy beat Hungary to win group

 Germany and England draw in six-goal thriller, Italy beat Hungary to win group

Bernama

September 27, 2022

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring his side's third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League match Group C soccer match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium. - REUTERS/Filepic

Germany and England draw in six-goal thriller, Italy beat Hungary to win group

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring his side's third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League match Group C soccer match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium. - REUTERS/Filepic

PARIS: England's three-goal fightback from two goals down didn't earn them a home victory against Germany on Monday, as Kai Havertz's late goal, also his second in the game, saw the rollercoaster clash end in a 3-3 draw.

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Thus, England finished their Nations League group matches with a six-game winless run, sitting at the bottom of the group, which also featured Italy and Hungary, said Xinhua.

European champions Italy, who have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, regained some pride as they won 2-0 in the battle for top spot in Budapest against Hungary, securing a place in the semifinals of the tournament. Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco scored for the Azzurri.

Unlike Italy, both England and Germany will head to the World Cup in less than two months, but both are still struggling to find their best form.

Germany's home defeat to Hungary on Friday buried their hopes of advancing as they only took one win from the six group matches - a 5-2 victory over Italy in June.

The four-time World Cup winners looked on course for victory at Wembley Stadium after goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Havertz had put them 2-0 in front after 67 minutes.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who has been criticised for poor performances in recent club matches, has had full support from head coach Gareth Southgate and started for the Three Lions again, but his latest mistake may threaten his place in the team.

The 29-year-old centre-back lost the ball to Jamal Musiala, then brought down the teenager in the box to hand the visitors a penalty, which was converted by Gundogan.

Maguire then lost his position in midfield 15 minutes later and allowed Chelsea forward Havertz to curl in a superb effort from the edge of the area.

Facing a possible third successive defeat, England showed great resilience, scoring three goals in 12 minutes to turn the game around.

Luke Shaw pulled one back in the 71st minute before substitute Mason Mount hit the equalizer five minutes later. Harry Kane then converted a penalty awarded by VAR in the 83rd minute to finish the incredible comeback.

But it was not the end - Havertz pounced on a fumble by England goalkeeper Nick Pope to equalise in the 87th minute. Bukayo Saka could have killed the match in stoppage time but his close-range attempt was saved by Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"A couple of errors have cost us the goals," Southgate said. "But I'll focus on the fact they played with tremendous spirit and showed a belief that we haven't shown in the last few games."

-- BERNAMA

Muslim leaders, dignitaries express condolences on passing of Al-Qaradawi

 Muslim leaders, dignitaries express condolences on passing of Al-Qaradawi

Bernama

September 27, 2022 

Turkiye, Qatar and several dignitaries from other Arab and Islamic countries described the passing of the famous scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi as a great loss for the world's Muslims. - AFP

Muslim leaders, dignitaries express condolences on passing of Al-Qaradawi

Turkiye, Qatar and several dignitaries from other Arab and Islamic countries described the passing of the famous scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi as a great loss for the world's Muslims. - AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Turkiye, Qatar and several dignitaries from other Arab and Islamic countries described the passing of the famous scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi as a great loss for the world's Muslims.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Qaradawi's son Abdul Rahman Yusuf, in a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said al-Qaradawi never stopped believing in what he believed in, and he was the best example to follow in reconciling the principles of Islam and life.

"May Allah SWT glorify him in heaven and have mercy on him," he added.

Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani expressed his condolences to the al-Qaradawi family on the death of the scholar.

"He has spent his life to serve the religion and the country", added the Minister.

Qatar's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in a statement on Monday said Arab countries and Muslims have lost a respected scholar who defended Islamic issues, and had a great impact in spreading Islamic Sharia, as well as preaching with wisdom based on the principle of 'wasatiyyah' (moderation).

In Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami's chief Siraj ul Haq said via Twitter that al-Qaradawi has dedicated his life to serving Islam, education, advocacy, and defending the interests of the country.

In Tunisia, Ennahda party's head Rached Ghannouchi in his statement on Twitter asserted that al-Qaradawi had worked tirelessly to uphold Islamic law throughout his life. "The principle of wasatiyyah and simplicity in life was also his focus during his life", he said.

In Malaysia, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah was also saddened by Qaradawi's passing.

"He is a leading scholar-activist who is very important in Islamic thought and movement around the world. Al-Fathihah," he said.

At the same time, Senator Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri in his official Facebook statement described al-Qaradawi as one of the Sheikhs of the Ummah (community of Muslims) who is a role model for Muslims around the world.

"It is no exaggeration to say that today's scholars mostly take advantage of the sequence of his works which are very beneficial to the ummah. All of them are indebted to his knowledge where a large part of his life has been dedicated to the ummah", added the former minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).

Several leaders of various other Islamic and political parties also expressed their condolences, including Hamas, the family of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, former President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr Ahmad al-Raysuni, and many more.

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi died on Monday at the age of 97. The Egyptian scholar lives in Qatar and is the chairman of the International Union of Islamic Scholars, as well as the mursyidul (adviser) of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The funeral prayer for the body was conducted at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, and will be buried at the Mesaimeer cemetery, Qatar.

-- BERNAMA

Woman shared screenshots of her conversation with Ebit Lew containing lewd pictures - Witness

Woman shared screenshots of her conversation with Ebit Lew containing lewd pictures - Witness

Bernama

September 27, 2022 

The trial of the sexual harassment case involving Ebit Lew began today at the Tenom Magistrate's Court, with a motivational expert who helped a victim of sexual harassment involving the celebrity preacher taking the witness stand. - Astro AWANI

Woman shared screenshots of her conversation with Ebit Lew containing lewd pictures - Witness

The trial of the sexual harassment case involving Ebit Lew began today at the Tenom Magistrate's Court, with a motivational expert who helped a victim of sexual harassment involving the celebrity preacher taking the witness stand. - Astro AWANI

TENOM: The trial of the sexual harassment case involving Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, or Ebit Lew, began today at the Magistrate's Court here, with a motivational expert who helped a victim of sexual harassment involving the celebrity preacher taking the witness stand.

Mohd Fairuz Abu, 37, told the court he was contacted by a woman using a pseudonym via the WhatsApp application after he uploaded a post about a preacher involved in a case of sexual harassment with a woman on Facebook on July 26 last year.

"In the beginning, she did not introduce herself and mention her name. She asked me who was the individual (preacher) I was referring to in the post.

"When I mentioned that it was related to Ebit Lew, the woman shared with me screenshots of Ebit Lew's conversation with her, as well as pornographic images (of genitals) sent by Ebit via WhatsApp," he said in front of Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani in response to questions from Deputy Public Prosecutor Zahida Zakaria.

Mohd Fairuz said he also sent the screenshots shared by the woman to a man named Firdaus Wong, who he said was handling a similar case involving the accused with another woman.

When Zahida asked Mohd Fairuz what action he took after sending the screenshots to Wong, the witness said that on July 27, 2021, he contacted the woman via a phone call to listen to the full chronology of events with regard to the harassment.

"In the beginning, she was scared and felt insecure to share. However, after I calmed her down, she shared everything from 'A-Z' (from beginning to end).

"I suggested to the woman to lodge a police report, but she was afraid and said: 'I'm just a small person. Ebit Lew is a big personality. So, I don't want to lodge a report"," he said.

After he made the suggestion, Mohd Fairuz said the woman asked for some time to discuss it with her husband, and that she finally lodged a police report on Aug 7, 2021.

Mohd Fairuz said he had personally met with the woman and was able to identify her in court.

The witness also recognised Lew, who was sitting on the witness stand.

Lew, 37, faces 11 charges, among which he is accused of outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s by sending obscene words to the victim's phone number via the WhatsApp application between March and June last year.

The offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine or both if convicted.

-- BERNAMA

Banks to implement BNM's five key measures to fight financial scams

 Banks to implement BNM's five key measures to fight financial scams

Bernama

September 27, 2022 

Banks will also have a 24/7 dedicated complaint channel/hotline for customers to report incidents or suspicions of scam/fraud, ABM said. - DagangNews

Banks to implement BNM's five key measures to fight financial scams

Banks will also have a 24/7 dedicated complaint channel/hotline for customers to report incidents or suspicions of scam/fraud, ABM said. - DagangNews

KUALA LUMPUR: Three associations representing the local banking industry are in full support of the five key measures to combat financial scams as announced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

The key measures were announced by BNM governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunos at the launch of the Financial Crime Exhibition yesterday (Sept 26).

In a joint statement today, the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and the Association of Development Finance Institutions Malaysia (ADFIM) said the banking industry acknowledges that the implementation of these measures may lead to changes in customers' online banking experiences and expectations.

"The online banking transactions could potentially take a slightly longer duration due to added security measures and checks.

"In view of this, we humbly seek customers' patience and understanding on the expected delays and inconvenience that they may face once these measures are implemented. These measures, however, are crucial for the added safety and security of the banks' customers," it noted.

They also said that their member banks are also committed to ensuring proper communication with customers in relation to the above measures, including the implementation dates for the various measures, any changes to processes and action required on the part of the customers, and contact details to seek assistance.

The five key measures include migrating from SMS one-time password (OTP) to a more secure authentication method, such as via secure multi-factor authentication software or hardware tokens for certain transactions.

These transactions include fund transfers and payments, changes of personal information and account settings.

Other measures include tightening the banks' fraud detection rules and triggers for the blocking ofsuspicious transactions, verification and cooling-off period for first-time enrolment of e-banking services orsecure device, and restrict authentication of electronic banking transactions to one mobile device orsecure device per account holder.

Lastly, banks will also have a 24/7 dedicated complaint channel/hotline for customers to report incidents or suspicions of scam/fraud, they noted.

The bank associations also reminded customers to remain vigilant at all times when transacting online, including following online banking safety tips.

They urged customers not to download any installation files (APK files) on their devices, and only download applications (apps) from genuine app stores, ensure that their online banking security image and/or phrase are correctly displayed on screen before logging in and avoid clicking on links sent via chat messages such as SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger or other similar services.

ABM, AIBIM and ADFIM added that they also welcome the measures to further elevate the police's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Scam Response Centre as a more systematic information sharing platform that will enable quicker action to prevent further losses.

Account holders who encounter suspicious transactions involving their bank accounts are advised to immediately notify their banks, contact CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1559/1599 andlodge a police report to facilitate the investigation.

-- BERNAMA

Power to implement MPN's recommendations rests with PM, Cabinet - Muhyiddin

 Power to implement MPN's recommendations rests with PM, Cabinet - Muhyiddin

Bernama

September 27, 2022 

MPN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the MPN only acted as an advisory body to the government, and that the power to implement those recommendations lay with the prime minister and the Cabinet. - Pejabat TSMY

Power to implement MPN's recommendations rests with PM, Cabinet - Muhyiddin

MPN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the MPN only acted as an advisory body to the government, and that the power to implement those recommendations lay with the prime minister and the Cabinet. - Pejabat TSMY

PUTRAJAYA: The National Recovery Council (MPN) does not have the authority to implement the recommendations brought by the council for the government's consideration through Cabinet memoranda, says MPN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the MPN only acted as an advisory body to the government, and that the power to implement those recommendations lay with the prime minister and the Cabinet.

"As MPN chairman, I do not have the authority to instruct a minister, secretary-general of a ministry or the director-general of a government department to take certain measures or make certain decisions to speed up the national recovery process.

"This power rests in the hands of the prime minister and the Cabinet," he said during a press conference after chairing the MPN meeting here today.

He said that so far, 86 of MPN's recommendations had been approved by the Cabinet while nine were awaiting the Cabinet's decision.

"MPN recommendations are brought to the Cabinet for approval and after that should be implemented by the relevant ministries or government agencies," he said, adding that 69 of those recommendations were related to major issues that had an impact on economic and social recovery while 26 recommendations were related to administrative affairs.

The MPN was established in July 2021 to replace the Special Committee on the National Recovery Plan (PPN), with the function to monitor the implementation of the PPN when the country moves to the endemic phase.

Muhyiddin also urged the government to speed up the national recovery process based on the recommendations put forward by the MPN, especially regarding the issue of hiring foreign workers and financing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) industry.

Muhyiddin said MPN also urged the government to pay special attention to the increase in urban and rural poverty as well as provide immediate assistance to PMKS, including a moratorium to restore the sector's cash flow.

He said the council hoped the government would focus on efforts to implement effective measures to restore the country's economy, thus easing the burden on the people.

"I hope that through Budget 2023, the government will present balanced and effective measures to control the rise in inflation, overcome the fall in the value of the ringgit, stimulate economic growth and help the people who are in need," he said.

-- BERNAMA