Latest news with #IndustrialDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Ikan bilis' charged, ‘sharks' walk free: Businessman cries foul in Sabah graft case
Selangor-based businessman Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, 37, speaks to reporters after posting bail at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex on June 30, 2025. — Picture by Julia Chan/Malay Mail KOTA KINABALU (June 30): Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, the businessman at the centre of a high-profile Sabah mining licence corruption case, today claimed he was being used as a political scapegoat for exposing top-level wrongdoing, including allegations involving the state chief minister. The 37-year-old who is based in Selangor said it was shameful that he was the one in the dock while the real culprits remain free. 'I'm just an ikan bilis, but I've been caught and charged. What about the sharks?' he told reporters after being charged in court with offering bribes to two Sabah assemblymen this morning. He claimed there were seven other politicians involved apart from the two charged alongside him in court today – Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Andi Suryandy Bandy who represents Tanjung Batu, and Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob who is also Qhazanah Sabah Bhd chairman. Tei also claimed to have provided evidence to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to support his allegations since last October. He questioned the lengthy delay – eight months – for the charges to be filed. He also described himself as a whistleblower, and said it set a dangerous message. 'When we challenge the powerful, even the whistleblower gets dragged to court. Who will dare come forward next?' Tei claimed the treatment of his case has been irregular, saying that he received only two weeks' notice before being charged, contrary to the standard MACC practice. 'Who am I? Just a small fry. Why the special two-week wait? What were they discussing behind closed doors?' he asked. He alleged that the prosecution against him was a calculated move to silence him. 'I want to say this. I know what they're thinking. They want to pressure and burden me, so that investigations won't proceed. So that I'll stay silent. I know what their game is. 'Today you charge two people. I will get bail. Tomorrow, another two more, and I will pay bail… you will continue to line them up… is this right?' he said. Tei also claimed to be targeted. 'If anything untoward happens to me after this, if I'm killed, kidnapped, or go missing, look for those 10 people. 'I have no enemies, except those 10,' he said. Tei had previously named politicians in a series of videos that circulated online. But he added that he is not afraid to fight the charges in court, His lawyer Edward Paul said it was 'rare' for a complainant to be charged alongside those he reported. 'This is rare, but we are ready. He is courageous and prepared to clear his name both as an accused and as a whistleblower,' he said. Tei had reportedly sought witness protection last year after accusing eight Sabah leaders in the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah of accepting bribes in exchange for helping him secure a mining prospecting licence. Tei was today charged alongside Andi and Dr Yusof Yacob of offering and receiving a total of RM350,000 in cash bribes respectively. – Malay Mail
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah ADUNs, businessman charged over RM350,000 in mineral license bribery case
Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Dr Yusof sits in the middle (left) and Tei (right) - pic by Cynthia D Baga/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: Two Sabah assemblymen, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy and Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, along with a businessman from Selangor, were charged with corruption involving RM350,000 linked to mineral exploration licence applications in the state. Andi, 44, the Tanjung Batu assemblyman and assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, and Dr Yusof, 69, the Sindumin Assemblyman, along with businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing, 37, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga. According to the charges, Andi and Yusof allegedly received bribes from Tei as inducement to facilitate applications by two companies, Syarikat Nusa Kini Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd, owned by Tei's business partners, for mineral exploration licences in Sabah. Tei faces two charges for allegedly offering the bribes to the two assemblymen for the same purpose. Andi and Yusof were charged under Section 16A(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. * 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
Daily Express
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tops Malaysia in Q1 manufacturing investment with RM7.3 billion
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Phoong receives a memento from SME Sabah president Deledda Than KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded RM7.3 billion in manufacturing investments in the first quarter of this year, making it Malaysia's top destination for the sector. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said local SMEs must not rely solely on foreign capital and should industrialise to remain competitive. Advertisement Phoong announced RM15 million in state funding to help SMEs automate, upgrade machinery, and expand while noting Sabah's exports rose 11 per cent up to May. He also highlighted Sabah's ongoing industrial push, including a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System in Lahad Datu and AirAsia's new KK–Taipei–Fukuoka route. Phoong cautioned against implementing overlapping federal policies and stressed that economic reforms must not burden SMEs as Sabah's unemployment rate improved to 6.7 per cent. * 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
Daily Express
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Express
Over 100 brands, activities lined up for Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025 is set to light up the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from June 27 to 29. Held at Kinabatangan Hall 1 and 2, the three-day event will spotlight health-focused living and fun-filled activities for all ages. Advertisement Organising Chairperson Monica Shiau said the event is designed to help the community unlock the benefits of smarter living through interactive exhibits, expert-led sessions, and community engagement. She said this is not just an exhibition but a celebration of how technology, wellness, and creativity can come together to enhance daily life. 'Visitors can look forward to over 100 top brands, immersive experiences, and curated highlight zones,' she said. Monica said the event will be officiated by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Advertisement Among the main attractions is 'Colour Pop', a creative space where children can draw, scan, and watch their artwork come to life in a digital playground. 'Wellness for All', a free health and healing zone, will offer complimentary posture analysis, health screenings, diffuser demonstrations, and energy healing. Fitness enthusiasts can participate in seaside stationary cycling sessions led by invited coaches from South Korea, organised by 22 Cycle, while sports fans can catch the inaugural Decakila Cup 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament featuring youth and open categories. She said shoppers will be delighted to discover immersive deals on home essentials and smart appliances, with savings of up to 70 per cent. Additional offers include a mattress trade-in promotion. The excitement continues with Grab-The-Cash, where every RM200 spent could win visitors a share of RM30,000 in cash and up to RM300,000 in prizes and vouchers. Other activities include the Expo Adventure passport game, daily lucky draws, exclusive door gifts, and the vibrant Baby Fair – a special section celebrating parenting, early childhood, and family life. Attendees can also explore Wholistic Wellness guided by QiMag's 10 Pillars of Sustainable Wellness, and savour Sabah's finest at the local bites and artisan market, featuring food, crafts, and local brands. Admission is free, and visitors can also redeem free 'Colour Pop' tickets through the Daily Express newspaper. Whether you are a wellness seeker, tech enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful family weekend, the Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025 is shaping up to be a must-visit event for all. * 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
The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah snags third spot for approved investments in 1Q this year
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has cemented its position as one of Malaysia's most attractive economic destinations by securing the third highest spot for approved investments with a total of RM10.9bil obtained in the first quarter of 2025, says Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said the amount has already surpassed the total investment recorded for 2024, reflecting renewed confidence in Sabah's growth potential and economic direction. 'Sabah now ranks just behind Selangor and Kuala Lumpur in terms of total approved investments in Malaysia,' he said, citing the latest figures from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. Foreign direct investment was the main driver, contributing RM6.6bil or 61%, while domestic direct investment accounted for RM4.29bil or 39%. He said this interest from both international and local players signals strong faith in Sabah's business ecosystem. The manufacturing sector emerged as the largest contributor, drawing RM7.3bil in approved investments, which marked the highest in Malaysia for this quarter. Of that amount, RM6.59bil (91.3%) came from foreign sources, while RM711mil (9.7%) originated from Malaysia. The services sector followed with RM2.83bil, and the primary sector attracted RM757.1mil. 'These achievements show that Sabah is not just keeping pace, but emerging as a frontrunner in key sectors, supported by our investor-friendly environment and the state government's strong commitment to driving industrial development,' Phoong said. Despite the ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, Sabah remains a competitive, resilient and trusted destination for capital and enterprise, he added. 'The state government remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen the investment ecosystem and continues to welcome both foreign and domestic investors to help realise our vision of a sustainable and inclusive economic future for Sabah,' he said.
