13/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 13, 2025

5 ‘ Sukuk funds abuse probe ongoing’

o Document and financial records analyses still to be completed while more witnesses expected to provide statements: MACC chief

0 Overseas assets valued at over RM15 million; and 0 Gambling-related activities estimated at RM20 million On a separate case involving a video clip linked to an alleged corruption scandal involving a Sabah state assemblyman, Azam said one or two individuals are expected to be charged in court soon. “They may be charged first, and I’ll make an official announcement afterward,” he added. It was reported that the MACC had completed the investigation paper, which was submitted to the prosecution for review two weeks ago. Azam also confirmed that MACC officers had recorded a statement from Datuk Jovian Mandagie, the former son-in-law of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, as part of the ongoing probe into the former

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prime minister. “I believe my officers have already recorded his (Jovian’s) statement in Jakarta. “Jovian is based in Indonesia, and we needed to record his statement to verify assets declared by the former prime minister. “There were some assets mentioned in Ismail Sabri’s statement that we need to confirm. “Investigations are expected to be completed by the end of June. Once done, we’ll refer the case to the deputy public prosecutor for further action. “If there is enough evidence to charge, we will suggest doing so,” Azam said. Responding to social media speculation surrounding fashion designer Jovian, Azam clarified that his officers had recorded the statement in Jakarta, not Bali.

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reportedly in his possession. A notice to declare assets has been issued to the Tan Sri and several other parties. So far, seizures include: 0 14 personal bank accounts totalling RM4.5 million; 0 Eight company accounts worth RM33 million; 0 A luxury condominium and a plot of land valued at RM24.5 million; 0 Nine vehicles worth RM7.65 million; 0 Luxury watches worth RM25 million; 0 Designer handbags worth RM3 million; 0 Jewellery and diamonds worth RM6 million; 0 Four horses worth RM400,000; 0 Alcoholic beverages worth RM3 million;

BANGI: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki estimates it will take about two months for the commission to conclude its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds involving a Tan Sri. “The case will take time – maybe another month or two – as there are many aspects we need to investigate, including the analyses of documents and financial records,” he said. Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Azam added that the commission has recorded statements from 53 witnesses so far, with more expected to be called in. “For now, please don’t ask further questions. I’ll provide full details at a press conference within the next one or two weeks.” The MACC was reported to have seized RM143 million to date in its probe into the alleged misuse of sukuk funds. Investigators are tracking the Tan Sri’s luxury assets locally and abroad, including properties in London and Switzerland. The probe also covers

Uphold moral integrity, young professionals urged BANGI: MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has warned of the dangers posed by having great knowledge without integrity. He said such an imbalance could hinder human development, urging young understanding of corruption’s impact on society,” he said. Azam described the MACC-NTU collaboration, established in 2017, as a model strategic partnership combining local enforcement expertise with international academic standards.

Housewife loses over RM500,000 in scam GEORGE TOWN: A housewife lost RM521,450 after falling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme carried out face-to-face in North Seberang Perai near here recently. Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division from the North Seberang Perai police headquarters received a report from the 57-year old woman on Tuesday, with investigations underway. “Based on investigations, the victim was introduced by her neighbour to the scheme, which promised high returns in a short period in 2022, before introducing the victim to another woman who posed as a marketing officer,” he said in a statement. He added that the woman explained to the victim how the investment worked. The victim then joined the investment scheme and made 51 cash transactions into five different bank accounts from March 4, 2022 to Jan 22, 2024 totalling RM521,450. She realised that she had been scammed after the suspect kept giving excuses whenever she wanted to withdraw her profits. The victim was also told to make various additional payments, such as payments to Bank Negara and legal fees. “Investigations are ongoing, including tracing those involved in the scam.” – Bernama Yusoff Rawther freed of drug charges KUALA LUMPUR: A former research assistant to a politician, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, was yesterday acquitted and discharged by the High Court here on charges of drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms. Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin made the order after finding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Muhammed Yusoff, 32, at the end of the prosecution’s case. The judge said based on the testimony of the prosecution witnesses, the court found that the prosecution failed to prove that the accused had control, custody and possession of the two pistols and the drugs. “Based on the testimony of the prosecution witnesses as well, the court found that it was not safe for this court to convict the accused of the offences charged against him. “Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged of the charges without having to be called to enter his defence,” said the judge. – Bernama

“Emerging technologies such as machine learning, digital behaviour analysis and predictive analytics are now widely used in anti-corruption investigations.” Azam also commended MACA’s commitment to academic excellence and global accreditation since the programme’s inception, expressing gratitude to officers, trainers and academic collaborators for their dedication. “You are now entering the real world of enforcement, where your wisdom, integrity and professionalism will be constantly tested. Together, we will continue building a stronger foundation for a future free of corruption.” Acknowledging the ongoing partnership with NTU, Azam expressed hope for deeper cooperation beyond the current memorandum of understanding, which will expire on Sept 31 this year. – By DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM

professionals to uphold moral integrity and ethics in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change. “Enforcement training must go beyond textbook knowledge,” he said at the 2nd MACC Law Enforcement Accredited Programme Convocation 2025 here. Azam told graduates of the anti-corruption academic programmes offered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA), in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), UK, that enforcement and anti-corruption studies must be rooted in more than just theory. “(These studies) must be infused with strong moral values and a deep SUBANG JAYA: Parcel delivery scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of consumer fraud in Malaysia, with thousands falling victim to fake deliveries, misleading cash-on-delivery (COD) parcels, and phishing messages. Ninja Van Malaysia chief sales officer Fariz Maswan said the surge in such scams is unsurprising, as fraudsters are exploiting the nation’s growing e-commerce activity, particularly in rural areas. “Online shopping spiked during the pandemic, even outside the Klang Valley. As more people began transacting online, scammers followed,” he said. “However, the rise in reported cases may also be due to improved public awareness and easier reporting channels.” Among scam types reported to Ninja Van, COD scams top the list, followed by ghost scams (where the goods don’t exist) and SMS phishing. “COD scams are simple to pull off – someone receives a parcel, pays for it, and discovers it’s filled with junk,” Fariz said at the ScamMinar hosted by Ninja Van yesterday. “We advise consumers to use trusted platforms like Lazada or Shopee for COD purchases and avoid unknown sellers.” The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ninja Van Malaysia and the Royal Malaysia Police, paving the way for Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He said the programmes reflect a hybrid education model, balancing academic rigour with professional competency, all grounded in ethics and universal human values. The academic offerings – the Postgraduate Diploma in International Law Enforcement: Anti-Corruption Leadership (Level 7) and the Professional Diploma in International Law Enforcement: Anti-Corruption Studies (Level 5) – blend legal studies with criminal psychology, forensic data analysis and AI applications. Such interdisciplinary training has equipped graduates to face increasingly complex enforcement challenges, Azam said.

Thousands fall victim to parcel delivery fraud

Ninja Van Malaysia CEO Lin Zheng with Yap at the MoU signing event. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

asked to pay large ‘release fees’ to access supposed profits.” E-commerce scams are also rampant. “Anyone with a smartphone is a potential target. Fake promotions offering RM100 items for RM15 often lure people in. Victims either receive substandard goods or nothing at all,” Yap said. Graymatter Forensic Advisory founder Raymon Ram warned that many scams are orchestrated by transnational syndicates operating from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos – often in lawless zones. “These centres are also tied to human trafficking networks,” he said.

enforcement collaboration and joint public education efforts to tackle parcel-related fraud. In 2024 alone, Ninja Van recorded over 17,000 parcel scam cases, with 40% of them in the Klang Valley. The situation worsened in 2025, with cases outside the Klang Valley rising by 85% in the first quarter. East Malaysia saw a staggering 147% increase since mid-2024. Selangor Police deputy chief of commercial crime (Intelligence/Operations) Yap Huat Tian said overall scam cases have surged nearly 50% this year, led by fraudulent investment schemes. “These scams often target retirees. Victims are enticed with small initial returns, then