Latest news with #LandOffice
The Star
02-07-2025
- The Star
Former technician claims trial to RM54,000 bribery charge
KOTA KINABALU: A former Land Office technician has claimed trial to soliciting a RM54,000 bribe in exchange for processing applications under a government land scheme in Sabah's east coast district of Kunak. Smith A. Lewas @ Simon, 56, was accused of asking for the money from one Goefle Joseph in May 2016 to process 27 land lots under the SPPKMB Kunak scheme. The alleged offence took place at a private studio in Kunak, where Smith was serving as an assistant survey technician. He was charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 at the Tawau Special Corruption Court on Wednesday (July 2). The charge carries a maximum 20-year jail sentence and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. In a separate case, 62-year-old retired administrative assistant Lusiwoi Kisa, formerly with the enforcement division of the Land and Survey Department in Kota Kinabalu, also pleaded not guilty to a bribery charge under the same law. He was accused of attempting to solicit RM12,000 from one Cornilius Jomol @ Terence in June 2016 in Lahad Datu to survey 16 lots under the Madai Baturong smallholders' scheme, despite the applicants not having eligible land at the time. Judge Jason Juga granted Smith bail at RM10,000 with RM3,000 to be deposited, and Lusiwoi RM6,000 with RM2,000 deposited. Both accused were ordered to report to the MACC Lahad Datu office every two months. They were also prohibited from contacting prosecution witnesses and had to surrender their passports to the court. The court fixed Sept 11 for mention and submission of case documents in both matters, under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code.
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Hutan Melintang fire: Census conducted to channel aid; cause still under probe
BAGAN DATUK: The Perak Welfare Department and the village chief's office have conducted an immediate census to provide aid to the victims of the Hutan Melintang fire. District Disaster Management Committee chairman Nazrul Fazami Mohamad said that relevant departments and agencies have been mobilised to conduct a quick census of the affected victims. "The department and the village chief's office have begun the census to complete the documentation procedures in a timely manner. "We have also requested all victims to lodge police reports so that state-level disaster aid can be channelled through the Bagan Datuk District and Land Office," he said when visiting the victims and the incident site today. In the 4.30am incident, 23 properties in Bagan Pasir Laut near here were razed. This included 19 Class B and C houses, each approximately 92.9 square metres in size, a non-Muslim house of worship, two eateries, and a sundry shop. No casualties were reported. Nazrul Fazami said that no relief centre (PPS) has been opened, as all victims are reportedly staying with their relatives nearby. "A meeting with representatives of the residents found that all victims currently have temporary shelter, so there is no need to open a PPS at this time. "However, further discussions will be held from time to time to assess the need to open a PPS should the situation arise," he said. Meanwhile, Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said it was still too early to determine the cause of the fire. He said the department's forensic team is still investigating to determine the actual cause of the incident. "Based on initial information from witnesses at the scene, the fire is believed to have originated in one of the houses at the back row of the affected premises. "As a result, the scope of the investigation has been narrowed, and focus will be placed on that house to identify the exact cause of the fire," he said. – Bernama
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Most Famous Cold Case Mystery in Texas History—What Really Happened to David Crockett
Dallas, TX February 11, 2025 --( In this newly released book, 'David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It,' researchers Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range employ modern-day forensic investigative techniques to tackle the most famous cold case in Texas history: how David Crockett died at the Alamo. The question of whether Crockett died fighting or was captured and executed by order of General Santa Anna has spawned a lively and contentious four-decade-long debate. The authors examine the genesis and evolution of the Crockett execution story and conduct a thorough and detailed dissection weighing the extant evidence left by witnesses from both sides of the battle. They then introduce two new critical points of evidence that have never been previously scrutinized throughout the long course of this heated controversy. The evidence, arguments, and conclusions derived in this illuminating analysis make Crockett's execution highly unlikely—if not impossible. If you are interested in history or in cold case crime mysteries, you will find this book both intriguing and compelling. From the book's Foreword: 'If you believe Crockett surrendered and was executed at the Alamo, after reading this book I promise you will at least have very serious doubts about the surrender narrative, and more likely conclude as I did, 'I was wrong, Davy Crockett died fighting.'' — JERRY E. PATTERSON, Former Texas State Senator Former Texas General Land Office Commissioner Lt. Col. USMCR, Ret. 'David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It' is hardcover, fully illustrated with diagrams showing where the key events took place, and is printed on top-quality paper in full 12-point easily readable print. It is available for purchase on [email protected] and/or 214-335-8321 and provide an address to which it should be mailed. Contact Information: Save The Alamo Committee 214-335-8321
