19/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 19, 2025

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Bank to pay RM90m over NFCorp confidentiality breach

Agricultural production index to aid food security

KEPALA BATAS: The Statistics Department will introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. “The data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes.” He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol on Tuesday. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as ‘not comprehensive’. The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. The figures underscore the industry’s potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state’s small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1% of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9%. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir said their presence is a positive sign, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity. – Bernama security of the Federal Territories. Earlier, Zaliha chaired the Federal Territory State Security Committee meeting, which serves as a key platform for security and enforcement agencies in the Federal Territories. The meeting aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and discuss the current security in the Federal Territories, including assessments of the National Security Index, urban crime trends and emerging challenges. – Bernama

damages, the court decided to award RM10,000 in nominal damages. In the suit, NFCorp and four others claimed that the bank breached confidentiality by allowing details of banking transactions to be revealed by the then PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli. They also claimed their reputation and credibility suffered irreparable loss and damage as a result of the breach under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act. Later, Mohamad Salleh expressed gratitude, saying his family endured hardship for 13 years due to the case. Lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah represented NFCorp and the other four, while Public Bank was represented by lawyer Chan Kok Keong.

and former Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Also on May 26, the Federal Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, which found Public Bank liable for breach of confidentiality. The court ordered Public Bank to pay RM300,000 in legal costs. The court adjourned until today to decide on the amount of damages. NFCorp and four others filed the RM560 million suit against the bank in 2012 over the leakage of their banking details. The High Court dismissed the lawsuit in 2019, but in 2023 the appellate court reversed the decision after allowing the appeal. However, the Court of Appeal held that since NFCorp and four others succeeded in proving liability but not

o Apex court overturns Court of Appeal decision on nominal damages, orders bank to pay 2% interest per annum on judgment sum until full settlement

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court yesterday ordered Public Bank Berhad to pay RM90 million in damages to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp), its chairman Datuk Mohamad Salleh Ismail and three subsidiary companies over breach of contract in the protection of confidential information. A three-member bench led by Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli and Federal Court judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais awarded RM30 million equally in equitable, exemplary and aggravated damages. “Public Bank is to pay 2% interest per annum on the judgment sum from today until the payment of damages is settled,” said Hasnah, reported Bernama. She said the appellants had presented financial reports and audited accounts through an expert witness, which were not challenged by Public Bank. She also said the Court of Appeal erred when it decided that the appellants had failed to

the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had granted nominal damages to NFCorp, Mohamad Salleh and three subsidiaries – National Meat and Livestock Corporation Sdn Bhd, Agroscience Industries Sdn Bhd and Real Food Company Sdn Bhd. Mohamad Salleh is the husband of former Women, Family and Community Development minister

PAYING LAST RESPECTS ... The wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (in black) speaking to Datin Seri P. Kanagam (second from left), the widow of former minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, during his wake at his residence in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

prove damages, resulting in an award of only RM10,000 in nominal damages. On May 26, the panel overturned Govt to consider public feedback in SST review

IPOH: The government will continue to consider feedback from various stakeholders in its review of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rates and the expansion of its scope, according to political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He assured the public that the expanded scope of the tax would not apply to all goods, but only to specific segments previously announced by the government. “Not all goods are subject to the expanded SST. For example, local products that are not manufactured

Muhammad Kamil noted that public concern over tax policy changes is not uncommon, citing similar reactions during the recent rollout of targeted diesel subsidy rationalisation. “At first, many questioned the diesel subsidy policy, but eventually recognised the benefits it delivered.” On who will be the next Economy minister following Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation, Muhammad Kamil said it would be up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “We leave it to his judgment and wisdom.” – Bernama “The peace we enjoy today must be preserved through consistent commitment, swift response and strong interagency cooperation. “Security reflects the strength of society and the effectiveness of the policies in place. Our ability to address the root causes of social ills forms the foundation of a more resilient city.” She also expressed appreciation to security agencies, enforcement teams and local authorities for their strong commitment in safeguarding the

On June 9, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that the government will carry out a targeted review of the Sales Tax rate and expand the scope of the Service Tax, effective July 1, in line with the Budget 2025 announcement made last October. According to a Finance Ministry statement, the measure aims to strengthen the country’s fiscal position by increasing revenue and broadening the tax base, without placing undue burden on the general public. encompass enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation and public education. The KL Strike Force is a special unit that conducts integrated operations involving various agencies, including the police, Immigration Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Customs Department. On the overall security in the Federal Territories, Zaliha said it remained stable and under control but reminded the public not to be complacent.

or do not undergo industrial processing will remain zero-rated under the SST. “We acknowledge there will be concerns and complaints, but in implementing any policy, if there are elements that warrant reconsideration, I don’t believe the government would hesitate to review them.” He made these remarks on Tuesday during a Ziarah Madani visit to the home of Sergeant Mazlan Mat, 50, a member of the Federal Reserve Unit who was involved in a fatal crash in Teluk Intan on May 13.

KL Strike Force ordered to tackle drug menace KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has directed the KL Strike Force to conduct a comprehensive study and take immediate action to tackle drug abuse, particularly involving the misuse of vaping devices to distribute illicit substances. She said the threat was “I have directed that the issue be studied and addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner without delay. “Follow-up action will be led by the KL Strike Force with the active involvement of enforcement agencies, educational institutions, local communities and public health experts,” she said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday.

concerning, as it had begun to spread among the younger generation, including school students.

Zaliha, who is also KL Strike Force chairman, said the approach would