Bukit Aman must up its cybersecurity game after GMRB, says Special Branch deputy director
Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy director Comm Datuk Ahmad Ramdzan Daud said militant and extremist groups like the Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB) were making full use of social media to recruit members and spread their ideologies.
"We need to improve our technological and cyber-monitoring capabilities so that we can detect such activities early," he said.
He said that while social media has become an important tool for communication, it has also become a major weapon for foreign militants.
"Social media can be the eyes and ears of the community towards us, but at the same time, it is also manipulated for the purpose of extremism,' Comm Ahmad Ramdzan stressed.
He said although police have crippled the GMRB, which was collecting funds to support Islamic State (IS) cells in Syria and Bangladesh, they believe there were still other militant elements yet to be detected.
'Therefore, we continue to monitor the situation,' he said, adding it was their duty to remain vigilant and do their best in any circumstances.
Comm Ahmad Ramdzan said this to reporters after closing the Police Basic Training Programme (Pulapol) graduation parade, Series 5/2025 at the Sabah police headquarters in Kepayan here, Saturday (July 5).
A total of 200 trainees completed their six-month training, which included three main modules, namely Policing Transformation, Mindset Transformation and Policing Management.
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Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Daily Express
All spending transparent and subject to audit, says Masidi
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Masidi (seated) looking at the Supplementary Supply Bill (Amendment) 2025 while Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob looks on. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun firmly denied any suggestion that the State Government is attempting to conceal its expenditure ahead of the coming state election, stressing that all spending is fully transparent and subject to audit. He said the tabling of the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill was grounded in experience and the best practices of State budget preparation. 'First and foremost, I would like to clarify that what we are presenting today is based on two key factors - our experience and practices in budget preparation; and to make it clear that there is no question of us concealing any expenditures just because we are approaching an election,' he said when winding up the debate on the Bill amounting to RM1,186,923,403, which was approved. According to Masidi, all government expenditures are subject to thorough and transparent audits to ensure no abuse of power or financial mismanagement. 'For the record, all spending will be audited. As Sabahans say, sooner or later, the truth will come out if something is amiss. So, in this context, there is no room for hiding expenditures that go against regulations,' he stressed. Masidi said the State Government works closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to uphold the highest financial governance standards. 'We maintain a close working relationship with the MACC. In fact, every year we open the channels of communication as widely as possible with MACC to ensure there is no misconduct. We strive to comply with the best principles of governance in managing government finances,' he added. Masidi also said the proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds to district offices requires further consideration due to legal and procedural constraints. He said the establishment of a Disaster Trust Fund in each district would first require tabling and approval by the State Assembly, as stipulated under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'However, my Ministry has found that setting up such a trust fund would take considerable time. Therefore, it would be more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and supervised by the State Disaster Management Committee,' he said in response to the matter raised during the debate. He also assured that his Ministry pays close attention to the need to improve tourism assets and conserve heritage buildings throughout the State. However, he said these efforts are subject to the State Government's financial capacity. Masidi also clarified that the RM44 million allocated to the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Tasks) was to support various educational aid programmes in Sabah. The breakdown of the allocation is as follows: Baik (Computer Aid Programme) – RM2 million for 1,000 laptops to be distributed to higher education students from eKasih or B40 families. Budi (Higher Education Registration Assistance) – RM10 million as one-off cash assistance of RM1,500 to RM2,000 for B40/M40 students enrolling at IPTs. Bakti (Special Exam Aid) – RM8 million for a one-off RM200 assistance to 40,000 B40 students sitting for SPM/STPM/STAM exams. Bagus (Parent-Teacher Association Aid) – RM3 million for 1,500 PTAs to carry out school-related activities. Bisbah (Sabah School Equipment Aid) – RM10 million to provide educational equipment to 1,600 schools. Bistari (State Education Trust Fund) – RM2 million in SSPN savings of RM100 each for newborns. Aksa (Education Excellence Award) – RM100,000 in awards for outstanding students/educators representing Sabah at national or international levels. Bantu (Education Programme Support) – RM1.3 million for education programmes that benefit students. Semesta (Sabahan Student Secretariat) – RM300,000 to fund student association activities across Malaysia and abroad. Balkis (Minor School Maintenance Aid) – RM4 million for small-scale school repairs costing below RM50,000. Mahas (Sabah Halal Council) – RM1.5 million for coordination, enforcement, halal expos and halal/syariah-compliant certification programmes. Bakpa (Religious Activity Support) – RM1.3 million for religious-related programmes. Sabah Language and Literature Council – RM500,000 to support activities related to local language and literature. 'The total allocation is intended to benefit students and educational institutions across the State, including initiatives related to student welfare, personal development and academic excellence,' said Masidi. He stressed that the State Government remains committed to delivering inclusive and comprehensive education support, despite current financial limitations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abdul Karim: Parliamentary seat increase in Sarawak depends on EC, not state govt
Abdul Karim speaking at the press conference after the tabling of the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly Building yesterday. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 8): There is currently no agreement on the number of new parliamentary seats for Sarawak, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He clarified that while the state has successfully expanded its State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99, any increase in parliamentary representation must be decided by the Election Commission (EC) and approved by the federal government through Parliament. 'There is no agreement yet on the number of parliamentary seats for Sarawak. The state government has no authority to decide this. 'Parliamentary seats fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government and the EC. Any increase would require constitutional amendments and endorsement in Parliament,' he added when speaking at a press conference after the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 was passed during a special sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday. He also emphasised that the DUN's role was confined to the composition of state seats too. 'We can propose and deliberate state seats, but for parliamentary constituencies, it must be tabled in Parliament and the Federal Constitution has to be amended. That's the proper channel. 'Sarawak's move today was a separate constitutional exercise focused solely on the state level. While the redelineation of the 17 new state constituencies now falls to the EC. 'They will determine where these new seats will be located. We have no influence over that. 'Any accusation of gerrymandering directed at the state government is therefore unfounded and unfair to the EC, which is an independent body appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Conference of Rulers,' he said. Responding to suggestions that the state seat increase may act as a precursor to parliamentary seat expansion, Abdul Karim agreed it may help pave the way. 'It will be easier for the EC to partition new parliamentary seats from these 17 additional state constituencies in the future. 'If eight or more can be derived, it would help us move closer to the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), where Sabah and Sarawak should ideally hold one-third of the seats in Parliament,' he said. He further explained that the decision to increase the DUN seats to 99 was both strategic and symbolic. 'There's no fixed number stated in the Constitution. But 99 is the highest double-digit figure before we encroach into three-digit territory, which is associated with Parliament. And if you notice, our DUN building has 9 pillars, 9 arcs, and 9 floors. So, 99 feels fitting,' he said. Meanwhile when asked about the timeline for the EC to complete its delineation work, Abdul Karim said that responsibility lies entirely with the commission. 'Our job ends with tabling and passing the Bill. It is now up to the EC to carry out their duties,' he said. He also dismissed criticism from Opposition members regarding the cost and timing of the exercise, calling them politically motivated. 'We've done this before, four or five times. It's within our legal rights, and there's nothing improper about it,' he said. Sarawak last increased its state seats in 2015, when 11 new constituencies were added. The current move, which sees an addition of 17, marks the largest expansion of state seats in Sarawak's history. 'The move reflects our commitment to ensure Sarawak is well represented, fairly governed, and prepared for the future. It's a necessary and constitutional evolution,' said Abdul Karim.
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget
Masidi KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Legislative Assembly today approved the Supplementary Supply Bill (Expenditure) 2025, which allocates an additional RM1,186,923,403.00 for 53 expenditure heads. In his winding-up speech, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said that while debates and disagreements among assembly members are expected, they ultimately reflect a shared commitment — both from the government and opposition — to Sabah's development. 'I would like to thank and acknowledge all honourable members who raised various issues and proposals during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, all with the shared goal of transforming Sabah into a progressive and prosperous state,' he said. Masidi assured that the State Government remains attentive to the matters raised, particularly those directly related to the Ministry of Finance. Addressing specific concerns raised during the debate, Masidi responded to Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob's proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds through district offices via a dedicated disaster trust fund. He explained that while the proposal is acknowledged, the establishment of such a trust fund would involve a lengthy process as it must be tabled in the State Assembly under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'Therefore, the ministry believes it is more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and managed by the State Disaster Management Committee,' said Masidi. He also said that the ministry is also aware of the need to enhance tourism assets and preserve historical heritage buildings, not only in the Sindumin district but throughout the state. 'However, such efforts remain subject to the State Government's financial capacity.' He also replied to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), who raised the issue of RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties. 'The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify the matter raised by the honourable member for Senallang regarding the RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties, intended to support students and educational institutions in Sabah,' said Masidi. He then detailed that the expenditure of RM44,000,000 is for the Computer Aid (BAIK) programme by providing 1,000 laptops for IPT students from e-Kasih or B40 families totalling RM2,000,000; the BUDI (IPT Registration Cash Aid) or one-off aid of RM2,000 or RM1,500 for newly registered B40/M40 students entering IPT amounting RM10,000,000; the BAKTI Exam Cash Assistance (one off RM200 aid for 40,000 B40 students sitting for SPM/STPM/STAM) amounting RM8,000,000; BAGUS-PTA aid (RM2,000 aid for 1,500 Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to support their activities amounting RM3,000,000; BISBAH-school equipment aid (equipment support for 1,600 schools) amounting RM10,000,000; BISTARI – State Education Fund (RM100 savings assistance per newborn via SSPN savings) amounting RM2,000,000; AKSA – Excellence Award (Awards for students/educators who bring honour to Sabah nationally/internationally.) amounting RM100,000; BANTU – Special Education Programme Aid (Funding for beneficial educational programmes) amounting RM1,300,000; SEMESTA – Sabah Student Secretariat (financial aid for Sabah student associations across Malaysia/the world) amounting RM300,000; BALKIS – Minor School Repairs amounting RM4,000,000 for repairs under RM50,000 for school infrastructure; MAHAS – Sabah Halal Council amounting RM1,500,000 for the coordination, enforcement, halal expos and certification; BAKPA – Religious Activities Aid amounting RM1,300,000 for special grants for religious programmes; Sabah Language and Literature Council amounting RM500,000 for support for language and literature-related activities. He also commented on the question raised by Tungku assemblyman Assaffal P. Alian concerning the expenditures in CMD1. He said that his ministry shall provide the assemblyman with detailed clarification. 'However, we hope there will be no misunderstanding regarding the figures mentioned, whether hundreds of thousands or millions, under each sub-item. Upon review, these do not involve any additional millions as suggested by the honourable member for Tungku,' said Masidi. 'On the matter of the additional allocation under the Ministry of Rural Development, this pertains to the Special Allocation Programme, which aims to supplement the insufficient annual budget approved for 2025. The allocation is meant to fund small-scale projects across all state constituencies, including those held by the opposition,' he said. As for the queries from the honourable members for Lamag and Tungku regarding the Federal loans and the higher repayments from the State Consolidated Fund, these loans are essential to finance water and sewerage supply projects costing over RM100 million annually, he said. He explained that these loans allow the State Government to focus on other key infrastructure projects that drive economic growth. Furthermore, repayments will only commence after a deferment period of five to seven years, allowing the State to enjoy earlier development while reducing development expenditure in the short term, he said. Meanwhile, Darau assemblyman Azhari Datuk Matussin inquired about the flood mitigation projects worth RM2.3 million and Masidi explained that these included the flood mitigation plan for Sungai Kinarut, Kinarut Basin, Papar District; flood mitigation plan for Sungai Petagas, Putatan – Kg Sendil Phase 2; flood mitigation plan in Sipitang – proposed drainage works for Sungai Naparan Hilir and related works; and flood mitigation plan in Sandakan (Mile 3.5), Sri Taman, Sandakan. He also replied to Lamag, Bugaya and Sekong assemblymen, who highlighted item S26-Contributions to Statutory Funds and provided the breakdown, which covered Contribution to the Development Fund – RM250 million to reduce the deficit, not involving cash flow; Contribution to the Statutory Trust Fund for Road Maintenance – RM150 million to cover concession payments and urgent repairs not covered under existing contracts; and Contribution to the Special Trust Fund – RM200 million to finance programmes such as SYUKUR (People's Gratitude Programme), BUDI, SENTOSA, SUBFLY, SUKSES, and infrastructure development including water, roads and utilities. Masidi also explained that the overall increase in administrative emolument payments is due to the phase one adjustment of the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), with an 8% salary increase implemented in December 2024. 'As the 2025 budget was tabled and passed in November 2024, the increase could not be accounted for at the time. The additional provision also covers the Special Financial Aid (BKK) payments in January, Aidilfitri and Kaamatan 2025,' said Masidi. He also said that the RM25 million allocation under D11 – Chief Minister's Department is meant for basic infrastructure financing in both urban and rural areas under the Special Development Programme and the RM3.7 million additional allocation under JHEAINS is to finance: New mosque construction: RM1.01 million; Islamic Community Centre in Penampang; upgrading Papar District Mosque; New mosque in Kg Tambulion, Kota Belud; Religious school construction: RM2.69 million; SMAN in Tambunan; teacher quarters, academic block, astaka, and field at SMAN Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah (Phase 3); and SAN and JHEAINS Kindergarten in Pekan Sook (Keningau), Kg Tebobon (Menggatal), and Telupid. He also said that under D19 of the Rural Development Ministry, the additional funds are proposed for poverty eradication programmes which includes estimated repayments (e.g., service costs, wages) as per management agreements; home repairs under RM15,000 per house – approximately 33 homes in 2025, including electrical posts; maintenance of damaged village roads, especially flood-prone areas, to aid residents' economic activities; solar lighting supply to off-grid villages in Kota Belud, Pitas, Nabawan, Semporna, Beluran, Lahad Datu and Tamparuli; and programmes to uplift rural living standards. Meanwhile, the RM1.9 million additional provision under D39 for the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is for capital grants to local authorities for road maintenance and other capital expenditures, including: Proposed new District Council Office in Putatan; and construction and completion of new District Council office in Ranau. Meanwhile, an additional RM300,000 is proposed to upgrade visitor facilities at Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site, Semporna, as part of the existing project under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), initiated on 4 March 2025. Works include upgrading the boardwalk, shelters and observation platforms at the summit, he said. Those who debated the Bill were Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin (Nabawan), Datuk Ignatius Dorell Leiking (Moyog), Assaffal P. Alian (Tungku), Azhari Datuk Matussin (Darau), Datuk Seri Panglima Moktar Radin (Lamag), Datuk Hassan Gani P. Amir (Sebatik), Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Arunarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Jamil Datuk Hamzah (Bugaya), Sarifuddin Hata (Merotai), Alias Sani (Sekong), Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Tanjong Aru), Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan), Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura), Datuk Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian), Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan (nominated assemblyman), Justin Wong Yung Bin (Sri Tanjong), Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum (Telupid), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau), Datuk Amisah Yassin (nominated assemblywoman), Datuk Mokran Ingkat (Sungai Manila), Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang (Balung).
