03/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 3, 2025

2

RM170m cash, gold bars seized in probe on aides linked to ex-PM PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it seized cash amounting to approximately RM170 million in various currencies, along with 16kg of gold bullion bars estimated to be worth some RM7 million in its ongoing investigations into corruption and money laundering involving officers linked to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. at the residence and three other premises believed to be safehouses, following the arrest of four individuals the previous week. “The focus of the investigation is on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for promotional and publicity purposes while he (Ismail Sabri) was leading the country. who were earlier detained by MACC to assist in investigations into several cases linked to corruption during his administration. In addition, an executive officer of a foundation and a woman who was an assistant to a special officer were also detained by the agency. MACC does not rule out the possibility that he will be called back to assist in further investigations.“ MACC added that it has also identified about 10 witnesses who will be called in the near future to assist in the investigation. “The commission would like to emphasise that the investigation is being conducted independently, professionally and in accordance with existing laws.

“This investigation is being conducted in accordance with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.“ Two individuals with the title “Datuk” were among four former senior officers of Ismail Sabri

MACC said Ismail Sabri had been ordered on December 11, 2024 to make a declaration of his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, adding that the declaration had been officially submitted on Feb 10. “Ismail Sabri appeared at the MACC office to provide his statement on Feb 19. However,

MACC stated the seized cash included currencies such as Baht, Riyal, British Pound, Korean Won, Euro, Swiss Franc and Yuan. In a statement yesterday, the commission said the seizure was subsequent to inspections

“MACC is committed to ensuring that any form of misconduct related to corruption and money laundering is dealt with firmly in the interest of the country.“ Ensuring food safety during fasting period PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is expanding its food monitoring activities during Ramadan to include hotels offering breaking of fast buffets, raw material suppliers and ice preparation premises. The move, announced on Saturday, is intended to ensure that all food providers comply with established hygiene and safety standards. The ministry said inspections would also be carried out of raw material sources, food preparation areas and vendors licensed by local authorities. “This initiative aims to ensure compliance with food safety standards.” – Bernama wishes for holy month KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar wished Muslims a blessed Ramadan filled with devotion and reflection. “May Allah grant strength to all Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations throughout this holy month,” he said in a social media post in conjunction with Ramadan. He added that mosques and surau under the Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department have been instructed to provide the best facilities for congregants throughout the month of Ramadan. He said the Ihya’ Ramadan programme has been planned for the month and would be organised by various agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). Other Cabinet ministers also took the opportunity to extend their Ramadan greetings and well wishes to all Muslims in the country via social media. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu urged the public to practise moderation throughout the month by avoiding wastage and planning their expenses when purchasing food for breaking of fast. Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli encouraged Muslims to use the sacred month to improve themselves, strengthen their relationship with Allah and foster stronger ties with fellow Muslims. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan prayed for Muslims to be granted longevity and good health to observe fasting. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Ramadan is not just about fasting but also serves as the best platform to promote tolerance and mutual respect among people. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressed hope that Ramadan would bring peace, reflection and strength for Muslims to increase their acts of worship and deepen their piety. Similar Ramadan greetings were shared by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also expressed hope that Ramadan would bring joy to all Muslims. He suggested that those travelling to mosques take the opportunity to report potholes via the MYJalan app. – Bernama Ministers, deputy ministers convey

6.3% EPF dividend boosts confidence of contributors

dipped made

after

he

o Highest returns in recent years for syariah , conventional savings reflect fund’s continuous efforts to safeguard interests of members

EPF Dividend of 6.3% The best in 7 years Rate (%) Financial year Conventional Syariah Saving Savings 2024 6.30% 6.30% 2023 5.50% 5.40% 2022 5.35% 4.75% 2021 6.10% 5.65% 2020 5.20% 4.90% 2019 5.45% 5.00% 2018 6.15% 5.90% 2017 6.90% 6.40%

several withdrawals during the Movement Control Order in 2020, Bernama reported. In Pahang, food delivery worker Sameerjeet Singh, 23, said the higher returns would help him to further streamline his retirement savings planning. “I am always alert every time a dividend is

KUALA LUMPUR: The 6.3% dividend announced by the EPF for the 2024 financial year is a reassurance for the nearly 16 million contributors that their savings are safe and growing well. The dividend returns, the highest in recent years for conventional and syariah savings, also reflect EPF’s continuous efforts to safeguard the interests of its contributors. Most EPF contributors expressed gratitude, describing the high dividend, which directly increases their retirement savings, as a blessing ahead of Ramadan. In Putrajaya, marketing executive Johari Omar, 40, said he does not plan to make a withdrawal. “The dividend announcement is good news for contributors but the savings need to be maintained for old age.” For Nordiana Ariffin, 44, a bus driver at KL International Airport, the dividend increase is like “the moon falling into your lap”. “The 2024 dividend is much better than the 2023 dividend of 5.50% for conventional savings and 5.40% for syariah . I feel grateful beyond words.”

In Sabah, private sector worker Gilmor Estban, 46, said not only did the EPF dividend increase his savings after a depletion during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it also motivated him to increase his contributions to the fund. Masniah Mahap, 48, a

announced and when I heard about it this time, I was quite surprised because it is very high. Although I can withdraw it through the flexible account, I do not intend to do so now.” A total distribution of RM10.19 billion was announced by the EPF on Saturday for syariah savings and RM63.05 billion for conventional savings, bringing the payout to RM73.24 billion. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in a social media post that EPF’s achievement reflects investor confidence in the growth-friendly policies of the Madani government, supported by fiscal reforms under the Madani Economic Framework.

housewife, was grateful that her savings in EPF increased this year and expressed hope that the fund’s financial and investment performance would continue to strengthen in the coming years. “Since I started working and contributing to the EPF in 2016, I have never ‘messed up’ the dividends or savings in my EPF account because I know their importance for old age or emergencies,” said Nor Izzati Rahmat, 36, from Malacca Civil servant Azry Zamri, 34, from Alor Setar plans to save the dividend to generate more income for the long term. In Perak, factory worker Muhamad Arman Saad, 38, said the increase in EPF dividend boosted his savings which had

Muslims performing the Solat Sunat Tarawih at Masjid Al-Ikhwan Gelong

Bilal in Kuala Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC