11/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 11, 2026

5

Scout body denies link to alleged graft case

KUALA LUMPUR: A babysitter and her mother pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to a charge of abusing a four-year-old girl that resulted in physical injuries. A. Saranya, 28, and R. Saroja, 64, were jointly charged, as persons having care of the child, with abusing the victim, resulting in injuries to her thigh and genital area at their residence in Jalan Pudu Impian here between February 2026 and April 3, 2026. The charge was framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum fine of RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. DPP Ravindejit Kaur suggested bail be set at RM30,000 each in one surety. However, lawyer Mohammad Arifin Abdul Wahab, representing the two accused, asked for a lower bail amount, saying Saranya is nine months pregnant and due to deliver her sixth child this month, while her mother, who is unemployed, suffers from hypertension and high cholesterol. Judge Mazuliana Abdul Rashid allowed bail of RM15,000 each in one surety and required them to report to the nearest police station once a month. – Bernama Two charged with abusing four-year-old girl

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Scouts Association of Malaysia has reiterated that it has no links to allegations of a civil servant receiving bribes and awarding of titles and medals under the association. The civil servant in question was arrested by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and remanded for five days on Thursday in Perlis. The arrest was made over allegations that the suspect received bribes in relation to the awarding of medals by a voluntary uniformed organisation in 2024. “We deny any involvement in a corruption case related to the conferment of orders, decorations and medals in Perlis. “Accordingly, we also emphasise that the investiture ceremony held in Perlis on March 6, 2024 was conducted without our knowledge, consent or official approval. “(The association) has never recognised, approved or been involved in any such conferment and it is not listed in any official medal records,” National Chief Scout of Malaysia Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin (pic) told theSun yesterday. The association also clarified that no list of recipients had ever been approved and that it has never issued any orders or decorations bearing the title “Dato’ Setia Pengakap”. “In addition, (the association) KUALA LUMPUR: Civil society organisation G25 have voiced out their concern over the arrest and remand of the three youths who protested at an event attended by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on Tuesday. It said the protest was non violent in nature, and the decision to arrest and remand them for three days was excessive and disproportionate to their actions. “While we acknowledge that authorities had a duty to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all those present at the event, it must be remembered that enforcement measures must always be proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances. “In this instance, simply escorting the youths (away from) the venue would have been deemed a sufficient and measured response. “Investigations could still have taken place without the detention of the youths, and should not be used as an excuse for unnecessary detention.” G25 said the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes the right to express dissent, particularly on matters of public interest such as integrity, governance and allegations of corruption. “The expression of such views

and will not compromise on any form of misconduct or misuse of the Scouts Association of Malaysia’s name.” On Thursday, a civil servant in Perlis was remanded for five days to assist in investigations into a case involving the acceptance of about RM200,000 in bribes. The remand order for the 57-year old man was granted by Kangar Magistrate Nurul Natasha Rizal following an application by the Perlis MACC. The suspect was apprehended at about 2.30pm on Wednesday after he recorded his statement at the MACC headquarters. The civil servant is said to have accepted the money while serving as the association’s Perlis chief commissioner, in return for facilitating the awarding of honours to individuals in 2024. MACC is still investigating the total number of individuals who paid the civil servant suspect to receive the said awards, as alleged. Earlier, Perlis MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani, who confirmed the arrest, said the case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009.

o Association choosing to leave investigation procedures to authorities, says chief

has never granted any mandate or authority to any party, including any state-level entity, to confer any orders or medals on its behalf. “The association also did not allow whatsoever use of its name, emblem or association for conferment purposes without official approval. “This of course constitutes a serious misuse and may undermine the integrity of the organisation,” the statement said. The association added that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or party found to be involved in the unauthorised conferment. “This includes those who grant, receive or promote such awards, in accordance with Section 13 of the Scouts Association of Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1968, which carries penalties under Section 14 of the same Act upon conviction.” Mohd Zin said the association

is leaving the case to the MACC. “Let MACC conduct a thorough, transparent and independent investigation. On our part, we will extend full cooperation if required. We remain committed to upholding the integrity, credibility and good name of the organisation

Arrests over protests against MACC chief excessive: G25

through non-violent means, especially by young Malaysians, although disruptive, should not be met with punitive measures. “The use of remand in the circumstances sets a troubling and dangerous precedent in which speaking out could lead to an arrest and detention. “This would have a (disruptive) effect on anti-corruption activism and broader public engagement, which are essential pillars in the fight against corruption and the strengthening of democratic governance.” The group also said the government must provide clarity on the status of their investigation on the matter, particularly in light of alleged reports that the findings of the investigation may have already been submitted to the prime minister. “The public is entitled to know the outcome. Any perception that the matter will be allowed to lapse without full accountability, whether through inaction or by permitting a quiet exit into another public office, as is rumoured may happen, would seriously undermine public confidence in the government’s commitment to integrity and give the public more reason to protest. “Such an approach would damage Malaysia’s standing and credibility, both regionally and internationally, and – most importantly – in the eyes of the public.” – By Andrew Sagayam

Mohd Khalid during a press conference on the operation at the national police headquarters yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Over RM500 million in seizures from e-waste raids

KUALA LUMPUR: Police recorded seizures and forfeitures totalling RM582 million following raids on 110 electronic waste (e-waste) processing sites nationwide under Operation Hazard 3.0 last Monday. Police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the integrated operation, which involved the Environment Department and the Inland Revenue Board, among others, also led to the detention of 515 individuals. He said items seized included 6,378 tonnes of e-waste valued at RM455 million, 377 tonnes of finished products valued at RM7.4 million, 1,925 tonnes of scrap metal valued at RM11.6 million and various other assets valued at RM107 million. He added that the finished

are being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Local Authority by-laws. He added that during the operation, police froze seven individual and corporate bank accounts amounting to RM670,000 under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, while the IRB opened 24 investigation papers. He also said the massive haul was the result of cooperation within the Multi-Agency Task Force led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Task Force Committee under the Home Ministry. – Bernama

products derived from the e-waste were intended for sale in foreign markets after being processed illegally in the country. “Out of the 110 locations raided, 42 premises were found to be illegal factories conducting e-waste processing activities. In total 223 investigation papers have been opened. “Of the 515 individuals detained, aged between 16 and 70, 65 are locals while the remainder are undocumented migrants,” he told a press conference yesterday. Also present was Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) deputy director Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi. Mohd Khalid said those detained