Latest news with #ZHAFARANNASIB
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Greater oversight needed over used cooking oil
Environment-friendly: Hawker Che Chin Seng, 59, weighing his used cooking oil for sale. He collected RM33 after the first transaction at the Tanjung Bungah public market in Penang by doing it the right way. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star PETALING JAYA: As more Malaysians turn to selling used cooking oil (UCO) for extra income, stakeholders have raised concerns over how some may exploit this trend by selling new, unused oil as UCO. The government too is tightening oversight of UCO exports to reinforce governance, prevent fraud and maintain Malaysia's credibility as a trusted supplier. UCO collecters say there have been cases where some individuals try to sell new cooking oil under the guise of used oil. ALSO READ: 'We have encountered a few suspicious cases in the past,' said Hillton Lee, co-founder of Recircle, a company that simplifies recycling items, such as UCO, through a digital app. 'Such cases usually come through our customer service touchpoints or directly from collection partners.' In these instances, individuals inquire about buy-back rates and provide information for collection. 'As part of our evaluation process, we request images for verification. Some submissions clearly showed packaged or unused oil, raising immediate red flags,' Lee said. CLICK TO ENLARGE These requests are rejected as they violate industry regulations. 'Attempting to pass off new oil as used undermines the sustainability goals we're working to achieve. We take these matters seriously to ensure the transparency and credibility of the buy-back system,' she said. Subsidised cooking oil is sold at RM2.50 per 1kg packet, which could see some individuals resell it for up to RM3.50 per kilo to UCO collectors. According to the Association of Used Cooking Oil Development Malaysia, UCO is typically sold in bulk to collectors who transport it to depots for pretreatment by licensed companies. After pretreatment, the UCO is sent to biodiesel manufacturers for conversion into biodiesel. The International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC) guidance notes that the degraded properties of UCO makes it particularly suitable for specific biodiesel conversion processes. In contrast, virgin cooking oil is not classified as waste, and its use undermines the sustainability goal of transforming waste into energy. It also competes with the food supply and increases land-use emissions, counteracting the waste-to-energy conversion purpose. Dr Chatichai Chong, Arus Oil's chief marketing officer, noted that UCO generally looks darker and has higher acidity compared to virgin oil. 'However, certain oil grades also have a darker tone,' he said. Arus Oil's main UCO collections come from households, restaurants and processing factories. 'However, we have yet to encounter fraudulent cases ourselves,' Chong said. Arus Oil is licensed under the ISCC, requiring them to declare each point of origin for the used cooking oils. 'We also declare our monthly volume with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB),' he added. As part of measures to prevent fraud, government agency MPOB is increasing oversight of UCO exports to strengthen governance. 'The board is reviewing standards and policies to better distinguish UCO from by-products like sludge palm oil (SPO), focusing on export integrity,' said MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir. A key initiative is the Sawit Intelligent Management System (SIMS), a digital platform enhancing traceability from collection to export through real-time data logging and source verification. 'It helps detect irregularities and supports enforcement,' Ahmad Parveez said. Exporters must meet international certification standards, such as ISCC or equivalent frameworks. Misuse of subsidised cooking oil, including its diversion into the UCO export stream, is strictly prohibited under MPOB regulations, with offenders facing penalties. When contacted, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said it is critical to review UCO and SPO policies to avoid discrepancies and meet strict sustainability demands from overseas buyers. He added that MPOB continues to work with other regulators to monitor the industry closely.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM183mil in assets seized
Shock and awe: ACTS officers storming a luxury residence in a high-stakes dawn raid in Batu Maung, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star BUTTERWORTH: A day after uncovering a metal and e-waste smuggling syndicate, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) continued its crackdown with asset seizures of over RM183mil. The coordinated sweep at 13 locations across Penang, Kedah, Johor and the Klang Valley yesterday was conducted with the Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia as part of Ops Metal. In the second blitz in Penang yesterday, the MACC's elite Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) stormed a company involved in e-waste processing in the Perai industrial area, Butterworth. The team inspected company documents and examined e-waste components after briefly questioning a security guard. A man believed to be the company's chief operating officer also provided the investigating team with information and a tour of the warehouse facility. Some workers, including foreign nationals, were also checked for proper documentation. MACC said 45 company bank accounts and 82 personal accounts, amounting to RM51mil, were frozen in the operation. The assets seized were a 793ha oil palm plantation in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, along with eight properties in Penang – three bungalows in Batu Maung, a penthouse in Tanjung Tokong, a shoplot in Bayan Lepas, 12.54ha of land in Nibong Tebal, 2.8ha in Batu Uban and 2.26ha in Juru. Also confiscated were six luxury cars valued at over RM1.9mil and five branded watches collectively worth more than RM740,000. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the seizure of the properties, vehicles and watches, as well as the freezing of bank accounts. 'The MACC is identifying parties in cahoots with this syndicate, which smuggled metal and e-waste through Port Klang and Penang Port. 'This has resulted in about RM950mil losses in tax revenue over the past six years. 'The focus of the investigation is on offences under Sections 16 (relating to soliciting or accepting gratification) and 18 (pertaining to deception through false claims) of the MACC Act 2009. 'We are also analysing and identifying elements of other criminal offences, including money laundering activities. 'This includes investigations by other agencies under the Income Tax Act 1967 and the Customs Act 1967,' he said. On Monday, the MACC began a large-scale crackdown, targeting 19 locations in Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Kedah. The operation centred on a prominent scrap metal company owner with a 'Datuk' title. However, the suspect – believed to be a foreign national – was not at his home in Batu Maung, having reportedly left the country two days earlier. The team then moved to a scrap metal storage and processing facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, in mainland Penang, believed to belong to the suspect. For over six years, the well-organised smuggling syndicate has exported scrap metal and e-waste to several countries, evading nearly RM1bil in export duties. The group falsely declared the cargo as machinery and other non-taxable metal goods to bypass the government's 15% export duty, with destinations including China, India and others. To execute the scheme, the syndicate is alleged to have bribed Customs Department officers, establishing a corrupt network that operated undetected for years.
The Star
14-07-2025
- The Star
Steely stand against smuggling
Swift and efficient: A MACC elite Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad member rounding up a worker during a raid at a scrap metal processing and storage facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, Seberang Perai, Penang. – ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: For over six years, a well-organised smuggling syndicate has exported scrap metal to several countries, evading nearly RM1bil in export duty. The group falsely declared the cargo as machinery and other non-taxable metal goods to bypass the government's 15% export duty, with destinations including China, India and others. To execute the scheme, the syndicate is alleged to have bribed Customs Department officers, establishing a corrupt network that operated undetected for years. This illicit collaboration is estimated to have caused RM160mil in direct tax losses annually, with total projected losses exceeding RM950mil over six years. Sources said the syndicate operated its own scrapyard with storage and processing facilities, enabling it to collect, sort and prepare large volumes of scrap metal for export in-house. This full operational control allowed the group to manipulate documentation, conceal the true nature of the cargo, and coordinate shipments with minimal external scrutiny. Luck ran out for the syndicate yesterday when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) launched a large-scale crackdown codenamed "Ops Metal", targeting 19 locations across Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Kedah. In Penang, media outlets, including The Star, were on the ground from as early as 5am to witness a high-profile raid at a luxury residence in Batu Maung. Clad in tactical gear, officers from the MACC's elite Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) searched the multi-storey property for evidence linked to the smuggling and corruption ring. The operation centred on a prominent scrap metal company owner with a "Datuk" title. However, the suspect – believed to be a foreign national – was not at home, having reportedly left the country two days earlier. Only several women, believed to be his wife, mother and domestic helper, were present. The team then moved to a scrap metal storage and processing facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, Penang mainland, believed to belong to the suspect. Around 30 workers were detained for questioning and later released after a man, thought to be the facility's supervisor, assured full cooperation with the investigation. No arrests were made across all 19 locations, though investigations remain active and the total value of seized assets has yet to be disclosed. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the coordinated raids targeted manufacturers and companies suspected of large-scale tax evasion and bribery in scrap metal exports. The case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Efforts are also ongoing to identify those involved, including public servants suspected of facilitating the illicit operations.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ex-inmates get chance to start over
On the ground: Sim (with red cap) having a light moment with prisoners who are being interviewed by company representatives during the MyFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at Seberang Perai Prison complex in Jawi. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star NIBONG TEBAL: A few years ago, M. Muniesvaran was sentenced to five years in prison for a drug-related offence. Now out on parole, he has been working at a fertiliser factory in Perlis for six weeks. Determined to turn over a new leaf, the 44-year-old is happy at his workplace, where he feels respected and earns enough to get by. 'I used to run a restaurant but I made a mistake and had to pay the price. I'm grateful for the chance to start over,' he said. Muniesvaran credited MyFutureJobs for helping him secure employment. 'Accommodation and food are provided, and I'm genuinely enjoying this transition. 'Looking for work on my own would have been tough because of my past. 'This opportunity let me move forward and rebuild my life,' he said when met at the MyFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at the Seberang Perai prison complex yesterday. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who launched the programme, said that 20 employers were offering 1,080 job vacancies, while another nine public and private agencies were providing assistance and entrepreneurship programmes to job seekers. 'This is our commitment to making sure no one is left behind. 'My aspiration is simple. 'I want all workers to be treated with respect and dignity, and return home safely after work. 'This aligns with the values of the Madani government,' he said. Sim noted that from 2020 to July 9, 2025, a total of 4,105 individuals have secured employment through the initiative, including 933 between January and July 9 this year. He said the top five sectors employing former inmates are manufacturing; food and beverage services; wholesale and retail trade; vehicle repair; and agriculture, forestry and fisheries. 'Employers will receive a special incentive of RM600 per month for three months. 'This is to encourage the placement of higher-paying jobs for vulnerable groups, starting with the recruitment of new employees from Dec 1, 2024,' he said before witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and six associations. The six associations are Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA), Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) and Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM). Sim said that FMM and FMBA have pledged to provide 4,500 job opportunities for former inmates this year. MyFutureJobs, through its 'Second Chance' initiative, actively supports ex-offenders by offering career counselling, skills-based job matching and access to various support services. Employers are encouraged to hire individuals from vulnerable groups – including ex-offenders – with financial incentives and ongoing support provided to both employers and employees. The initiative aims to boost job opportunities, skills and support for parolees, prisoners under supervision, persons released on licence and ex-convicts.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
George Town keeps history alive with two initiatives
Restoration underway: The location of the new initiative of Relic at Gat Lebuh Aceh. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Heritage is not just about preserving old buildings – it is about sustaining the communities and cultures that breathe life into them. And two key initiatives – the George Town Heritage Research, Education and Learning International Centre (GTH-Relic) and the Cultural Heritage Hub (CH²) – are planned to keep history alive. Both initiatives are by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), which is chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. ALSO READ: Capital city's crumbling heritage Relic is a dedicated centre for research, training, and global collaboration in heritage conservation while CH² is will be a new platform to drive creative industries, cultural entrepreneurship, and community participation within the World Heritage Site, said Chow. CH² will also enable entrepreneurs to explore how to improve their businesses in the world heritage sites. Under Relic, GTWHI will be responsible in arranging programmes specifically for research and also training to improve and find more ways to preserve heritage buildings. Relic itself will be housed in a historic building at the junction of Gat Lebuh Aceh and Lebuh Victoria. 'The building, formerly a godown, will be transformed into a dynamic centre for heritage education and learning. It will cater to schoolchildren, local residents, artisans, NGOs and heritage professionals,' he said after an event in Lebuh Aceh to celebrate Heritage Day yesterday. CH² – a creative economy project – involves the restoration of eight shophouses near the historic mosque in Lebuh Acheh. Some of the buildings, which were damaged in a fire several years ago, are being revived to support creative entrepreneurship and cultural enterprises. Chow said RM11mil has been allocated for the restoration and programme development of Relic while restoration work for CH² will cost RM4mil. Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2026. Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the Relic project houses four core components: an interpretative centre, a heritage lab, a heritage materials bank and a cultural heritage embassy. 'The centre aims to offer inclusive programming for all age groups, from children to academics, while maintaining financial sustainability through fee-based access and public-private collaborations,' she said. Ang said both initiatives reflect the state's broader commitment to sustainability and inclusive heritage development. The long-term goal, she said, is to build a sustainable model that balances public accessibility with financial viability. 'Some programmes will be open to the public, while others may involve minimal fees, but the core focus remains: education, heritage, and building a vibrant, creative future for George Town,' she said. At the ceremony earlier, 40 community partners received certificates of appreciation for their participation in the three-day George Town Unesco World Heritage Day celebrations. Among the community partners were the Penang Muslim League, Malaysian-German Society, Penang Island City Council, Penang Hindu Association and Malaysian-Japanese Society. 'This year's celebration has exceeded expectations, drawing over 20,000 visitors. 'As the Historic Building Open Houses continue today, the spirit of engagement and cultural pride is as vibrant as ever,' he said before visiting Masjid Kapitan Keling. Chow said a total of RM18.5mil has been allocated in repair incentives, benefiting 52 Category I and 323 Category II heritage buildings. He added that GTWHI had also installed 10 AED units across the heritage zone to enhance safety in the dense urban core.
