Latest news with #RM96
The Sun
05-07-2025
- The Sun
Police seize RM96m in illegal metal products in Op Padu 2.0
KUALA LUMPUR: Police seized various equipment and metal products that did not meet standard specifications, worth more than RM96 million, in Op Padu 2.0 conducted on six factories in Johor, Selangor and Melaka yesterday. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said that the raids were conducted on factories that import, process, and supply metal products for the construction sector and various local industries. He said that among the seized items were 11,000 rebar of various sizes; 152,830 hollow section steel bars; 4,393 flat bars of various sizes; 2,432 coils of hot-dipped galvanised steel sheets; various types of metal cutting machines; three forklifts; and 152 gas cylinders, all estimated to be worth RM96,350,231. 'The results of the raid and inspection revealed various offences had been committed, including the failure to present valid Standard Compliance Certification (PPS) documents for the import of iron and metal products used in the construction sector. 'Also found were several metal products, categorised as finished products, without a valid PPS by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for use in the domestic construction sector, in addition to semi-finished products believed to be imported illegally,' he said in a statement today. Azmi said that the factories in question also employed illegal foreign workers. 'The operation detained and inspected a total of 60 workers, comprising three local men and 57 foreign nationals, aged between 26 and 59 years old, for various offences,' he said. He said those detained under the Immigration Act were handed over to the State Immigration Department, in addition to the compound value issued amounting to RM12,000. The Op Padu 2.0 was conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, namely the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department of Malaysia, Department of Environment, CIDB, Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) and the local authorities (PBT). Meanwhile, Azmi said that from Jan 1 until yesterday, WCB/PSK had conducted 161 raids nationwide and arrested 296 individuals for various offences involving the smuggling of undeclared goods, leakage of controlled and subsidised goods, smuggling of wildlife, and the sale of fake weapons, with a total seizure value of RM540.2 million. 'PDRM (the Royal Malaysia Police) welcomes the cooperation carried out with other enforcement agencies and will fully support the government's intention to ensure the welfare of the people, national security and public order are maintained. 'The public's involvement and cooperation in providing information to the police are highly encouraged so that these crimes can be completely eradicated,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Factories raided, RM96mil goods seized, dozens of undocumented migrants arrested
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have seized industrial goods worth over RM96 million and arrested dozens of undocumented foreign workers in a nationwide crackdown on illegally imported and uncertified metal products yesterday. The police, through the Wildlife Crime Bureau and the Special Intelligence Investigation Division under the Internal Security and Public Order Department, launched simultaneous operations at six factories in Johor, Selangor and Melaka. The integrated operation was conducted in collaboration with multiple enforcement agencies, including the Customs Department, Immigration Department, Department of Environment (DOE), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Sirim and local councils. Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the targeted factories were found to be importing, processing and distributing metal products including semi-finished and finished goods without proper certification from CIDB or Sirim. "Among the offences were failure to produce valid standard compliance documents (PPS) for metal items used in the construction sector. "These uncertified materials pose serious safety risks to users and the industry at large," he said. Azmi said enforcement teams also uncovered the illegal employment of foreign workers at the premises. A total of 60 people were detained and inspected, comprising three locals and 57 foreigners aged between 26 and 59, for various offences. The seized items included 11,000 units of rebar, 1,700 wire mesh rods, 1,500 wire rods, 152,830 hollow section steel bars, over 2,400 hot-dip galvanised steel coils weighing about 12,163.5 tonnes, cutting and welding machinery, cranes and forklifts, and 152 industrial gas cylinders. The estimated value of the confiscated items is RM96,350,231. "Investigations revealed that some of these items were end products intended for use in the construction industry, while others were semi-finished goods believed to have been smuggled into the country," Azmi said. Further investigations are being conducted under various legal provisions, including Section 33D of the CIDB Act 1994, the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Environmental Quality Act 1974, and the Local Government and Building by-laws. Local authorities issued compounds worth RM12,000 for offences such as unauthorised building structures and unsanitary worker accommodations. Azmi said CIDB has seized uncertified metal products for further action, while the DOE took enforcement steps against factories lacking proper effluent treatment systems and hazardous waste management. He added that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to protect the local industry and ensure that only safe, certified materials are used in construction and other industrial sectors. From Jan 1 to July 4 this year, the police had conducted 161 raids nationwide, arresting 296 individuals for offences ranging from smuggling contraband and subsidised goods to trafficking wildlife and counterfeit weapons. The total value of seizures is estimated at RM540.2 million. "These operations demonstrate our firm stance in safeguarding national security, industry integrity and public safety," he said.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Forest research institute upgrade to boost ecotourism appeal
(From right) Ismail with Joyce and other guests at the suspension bridge in FRIM that has been reconstructed with additional safety features and durable hardwood. THE infrastructure upgrade at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Selangor, is expected to enhance its ecotourism appeal ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan said the project included reconstructing a 12m suspension bridge using durable hardwood and support cables with safety 'u-clip' netting, as well as installing an informational map panel in the Borneo Plot near the Sungai Kroh picnic area. He said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the government and corporate partners, including Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd which contributed RM96,000 through its corporate social responsibility programme to enhance FRIM's ecotourism facilities. 'This effort extends beyond just infrastructure enhancement. 'It demonstrates a strong corporate commitment to long-term environmental and biodiversity conservation,' he told reporters after visiting the site, according to Bernama. Present were Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd corporate finance head Joyce Vasudevan and corporate development vice-president Lily Ling. Ismail said the Borneo Plot was one of FRIM's unique attractions, which featured forest species native to Borneo and renowned for its tropical biodiversity, including kapur baji (Dryobalanops lanceolata) and engkabang (Rubroshorea macrophylla). Ismail (right) briefing Ling (left) on the tree species at the Borneo Plot. Established as a research site, the Borneo Plot also serves as an outdoor learning space for students and visitors, as well as a conservation area for endangered species. He said FRIM has evolved from being a research and innovation centre into a hub for nature-based tourism and environmental education, drawing both local and international visitors. As such, he said FRIM would work closely with Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to make early preparations for VM2026. 'Last year, we recorded 157,699 visitors. 'This year, we are targeting 200,000 – not only to enjoy the natural surroundings but also to raise public awareness about the importance of forests and biodiversity,' said Ismail. FRIM, declared a National Heritage site in 2015, is currently in the final stage of nomination as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Barnama
13-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
FRIM Upgrade To Boost Ecotourism For Visit Malaysia Year 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- The infrastructure upgrade at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, including the reconstruction of a 12-metre suspension bridge, is expected to enhance its ecotourism appeal ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan said the project includes reconstructing the bridge using durable hardwood and support cables with safety 'u-clip' netting, as well as installing an informational map panel in the Borneo Plot near the Sungai Kroh picnic area. He said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the government and corporate partners, including Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, which contributed RM96,000 through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to enhance FRIM's ecotourism facilities. 'This effort extends beyond just infrastructure enhancement. It demonstrates a strong corporate commitment to long-term environmental and biodiversity conservation,' he told reporters after visiting the site today. Present were Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad Corporate Finance head Joyce Vasudevan and Corporate Development vice president Lily Ling. Ismail said the Borneo Plot is one of FRIM's unique attractions, featuring forest species native to Borneo, which is renowned for its tropical biodiversity, including kapur baji (Dryobalanops lanceolata) and engkabang (Rubroshorea macrophylla). Established as a research site, the Borneo Plot also serves as an outdoor learning space for students and visitors, as well as a conservation area for endangered species. He said FRIM has evolved from being a research and innovation centre into a hub for nature-based tourism and environmental education, drawing both local and international visitors. As such, he said that FRIM will work closely with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to make early preparations for VMY2026.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- The Sun
FRIM upgrade to boost ecotourism for Visit Malaysia Year 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The infrastructure upgrade at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, including the reconstruction of a 12-metre suspension bridge, is expected to enhance its ecotourism appeal ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan said the project includes reconstructing the bridge using durable hardwood and support cables with safety 'u-clip' netting, as well as installing an informational map panel in the Borneo Plot near the Sungai Kroh picnic area. He said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the government and corporate partners, including Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, which contributed RM96,000 through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to enhance FRIM's ecotourism facilities. 'This effort extends beyond just infrastructure enhancement. It demonstrates a strong corporate commitment to long-term environmental and biodiversity conservation,' he told reporters after visiting the site today. Present were Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad Corporate Finance head Joyce Vasudevan and Corporate Development vice president Lily Ling. Ismail said the Borneo Plot is one of FRIM's unique attractions, featuring forest species native to Borneo, which is renowned for its tropical biodiversity, including kapur baji (Dryobalanops lanceolata) and engkabang (Rubroshorea macrophylla). Established as a research site, the Borneo Plot also serves as an outdoor learning space for students and visitors, as well as a conservation area for endangered species. He said FRIM has evolved from being a research and innovation centre into a hub for nature-based tourism and environmental education, drawing both local and international visitors. As such, he said that FRIM will work closely with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to make early preparations for VMY2026. 'Last year, we recorded 157,699 visitors. This year, we are targeting 200,000 -- not only to enjoy the natural surroundings but also to raise public awareness about the importance of forests and biodiversity,' he said. FRIM, declared a National Heritage site in 2015, is currently in the final stage of nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
