Latest news with #RM2mil
The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Delay expanded SST to next year amid global uncertainty, urges ACCCIM
PETALING JAYA: The government should reconsider implementing the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) next year to allow more time for preparation, says the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM). The group said adequate preparation is crucial for ensuring better compliance and smooth implementation. "Our concern is that multiple cost increases are coinciding with a challenging global and domestic economic environment. "This is exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs policy and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which together create significant economic headwinds. "The effects of rising costs, which have been felt in 2025, are expected to persist or influence the business and economic landscape in 2026," it said in a statement on Saturday (June 28). It added that the proposed postponement of the SST implementation was among the issues raised in a letter submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "We have respectfully urged the government to defer the implementation of SST to January 2026, starting with 4% for the first two years. "We also asked that taxable services threshold registration be raised higher to RM3mil for rental or leasing services, and construction services, and the threshold of exemption from paying tax for SMEs tenants be raised higher to RM2mil annual sales. "We also proposed a longer exemption period of 36 months for non-reviewable and reviewable contracts to cover all project types due to the type of projects and project cycles," it said. ACCCIM also noted that while the higher SST threshold for rental and leasing services, as well as small and medium enterprise (SME) tenants, will ease compliance and financial burden, a further increase would be more suitable. "Higher threshold is better aligned with the definition of SMEs for the services and other sectors," it said. On the Finance Ministry's recent adjustments to fine-tune the SST framework, ACCCIM said it was a welcome move that they take cautiously. "We cautiously welcomed the government's announcement on the review of the expanded SST, taking into account ACCCIM's concerns and feedback. "This includes matters regarding the timing, spillover effects, scope of SST expansion, SST rate and the registration threshold of taxable services," it said. The revision includes the exemption of SST for selected fruits, higher threshold for rental and leasing services, financial services and the exemption of selected beauty services.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
MMEA intercepts foreign vessel in waters near Kudat, six detained for illegal fishing
KOTA KINABALU: Six Vietnamese fishermen have been arrested for encroaching into Malaysian waters after their fishing vessel was intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in the Kudat Maritime Zone. The foreign boat, believed to be a Vietnamese fishing vessel, was detained along with six crew members approximately 13 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Tigabu, near Pitas, on Sunday (June 22). Kudat Maritime Zone director Maritime Comm Hasbullah Omar said the interception followed a tip-off from the public. "Upon receiving the information, patrol boat Cenderawasih 10, which was conducting routine operations, was immediately dispatched to the area to investigate," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). The vessel was spotted around 5.50am, and when approached, they attempted to flee but were successfully stopped by the enforcement team. Aboard the vessel were six Vietnamese men aged between 27 and 44, all of whom failed to produce any valid identification documents. "A further inspection found fishing equipment made of iron, believed to be used for catching sea cucumbers (balat), as well as some 300 litres of diesel. "All six individuals, along with the vessel and its contents, were taken into custody for further investigation. The total value of the seized items is estimated to be close to RM2mil," said Hasbullah. The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. Hasbullah urged local communities, particularly those in the maritime sector, to assist enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious or illegal activity at sea to the Kudat Operations Centre at 088-611858 or the MMEA emergency line at 999, both of which operate 24 hours a day.
The Star
18-06-2025
- The Star
Two detained over false claims involving school projects in Perlis
KANGAR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested two men in connection with an investigation into false claims involving more than RM2mil in 2022. According to a source, the duo, aged 43 and 50, were detained on Tuesday (June 17) afternoon when they turned up to give their statements at the Perlis MACC office here. They are believed to have used five construction companies to undertake maintenance, upgrading and repair works at five secondary schools in Perlis, involving an allocation of RM2.459mil. The source said the men were released on MACC bail of RM10,000 with one surety at 9.30pm. The two individuals were previously arrested by the Selangor MACC in 2023 and charged in Kuala Lumpur under Section 420 of the Penal Code in connection with a project in Selangor. Perlis MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. – Bernama
The Star
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
YAYASAN UEM BOOSTS LIFESAVING MEDICAL AID WITH RM2MIL CONTRIBUTION
From left: HRC director Dr Fairul Nizam Abu Salim, Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor, Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, HPUSM director Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani, Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad, HCTM director Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar and UMMC director Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan at the ceremony. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star YAYASAN UEM, the philanthropic arm of UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), has contributed RM2mil for the implementation of its annual Medical Assistance programme this year, bringing the total contributions nearing RM13.9mil since its inception in 2014. Entering its 12th year, the programme which to date has benefited more than 1,600 underprivileged patients from across Malaysia, continues to expand with Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) under the Health Ministry joining as its fourth strategic partner. The programme's other existing strategic partners are University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM) and Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). This year, each hospital has once again received a contribution of RM500,000 from Yayasan UEM which are used to procure life-saving medical devices such as pacemaker and breathing device, medications, treatment charges including those for chemotherapy as well as to facilitate high-cost, critical surgeries for each of the hospitals' underprivileged patients. The contribution ceremony for the 2025 Yayasan UEM Medical Assistance Programme was held at HRC, where Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor presented mock cheques to representatives of its strategic partners. This included Dr Faizul Nizam Abu Salim from HRC, Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan from UMMC, Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin from HCTM and Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani from HPUSM. At HRC specifically, the funding is used to procure a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device for its neurological rehabilitation treatment as well as to subsidise other rehabilitation costs for its patients to support their long-term recovery and health. The funding will also help cover rehabilitation costs for underprivileged asnaf and non-Muslim patients, ensuring they have equal access to essential treatment. Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad who graced the ceremony, said: 'This initiative is a testament to Yayasan UEM's commitment to expanding access to quality, inclusive and equitable rehabilitation care for all segments of society, in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani.' She also emphasised that the initiative marked a historic and meaningful step for both HRC and the Health Ministry as it is the only rehabilitation facility under ministry that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other conditions requiring long-term intervention. According to Aishah, Yayasan UEM is deeply committed to providing access to quality medical care for the underprivileged, especially against the backdrop of rising medical cost and inflation. 'Despite medical advancements, disparities in access to medical care persist in Malaysia, exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic. 'We believe that every individual has the right to access health and medical services. 'It is with this notion that we fully support the government's efforts to promote inclusive and sustained medical support and we hope to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,' she added. Also present to witness the ceremony were Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar, as well as UEM Group managing director and Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Employer searches for manager who allegedly siphoned RM2.5mil
Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San (second from left) discussing with Koh Chew Siee (second from right) and Hoe Hong Seng (right) and their lawyer Tan Jun Jie (left) during a press conference held at Pasir Gudang MCA office here in Johor Baru on Monday (June 16). JOHOR BARU: An employer is searching for his former manager, who has been missing after allegedly siphoning RM2.5mil from the company's account nearly two years ago. The company's business development manager Hoe Hong Seng said they discovered issues with their account when an auditor found discrepancies during an internal investigation. "So far, we have evidence that about RM2.5mil of the company's money is missing, but we have reason to believe the actual amount could reach RM10mil. "Our auditors found payment receipts from our customers between January 2018 and November 2023, but the money did not end up in our account," he added. Hoe said this at a press conference organised by Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San, held at the Pasir Gudang MCA division office on Monday (June 16). He added that after discovering the missing money in the company's account, they met with the 58-year-old manager, who had been working with them since 2004. He claimed the manager did not deny taking the money and promised to repay RM100,000. But, the company refused her offer because Hoe said the manager had taken more than RM2mil. Hoe also claimed soon after their meeting, the manager ran away and despite numerous attempts to find her, including calling her mobile phone, failed to locate her. Hoe added that the manager's husband told them they were divorced and the latter has no idea where she is. Meanwhile, the company's owner and director, Koh Chew Siee, said he hopes his former employee will reach out to them and find an amicable solution. "I hope she can call us soon so we can discuss this matter and find a proper solution," he added. When contacted, Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak confirmed the report and said an investigation has been opened under Section 408 of the Penal Code. He added that efforts are underway to locate and arrest the suspect to assist with police investigations.
