Malaysia Morning News For July 16

Malaysia to file WTO complaint against EU’s palm biofuel policy by Nov
Malaysia will submit a complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by November to challenge the European Union’s restrictions on palm biofuel, according to Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok Suh Sim.She said documents related to the complaint are currently with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
— The Sun Daily

Najib’s credit cards were used to spend RM3.3mil in one day, witness tells court
The High Court here heard that two credit cards belonging to Datuk Seri Najib Razak were used to spend RM3.3mil in one day, in De Grisogono, a Swiss luxury jeweller, in Italy in 2014.
— The Star Online

S’wak govt providing airfare subsidy totalling RM2 mln this year
The Sarawak government is providing an airfare subsidy totalling RM2 million for this year alone to assist Sarawakian students to return during festive seasons, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia seized $240 million from Chinese company over pipeline project: PM Mahathir
Malaysia seized more than 1 billion ringgit ($243.5 million) from a bank account of state-owned China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering (CPP) over incomplete pipeline projects, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday.
— Street Insider

FPDSB meets its establishment objectives: Audit report
Based on the audit of the corporate governance, financial position and principal activities, the objectives of the establishment Forest Plantation Development Sdn Bhd (FPDSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board under the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI), have been met, said the Department of National Audit.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia welcomes its first durian-friendly hotel
Durians are known for their distinct, pungent smell, which many foreigners describe as a combination of rotten onions and old socks. As such, most hotels in Asia forbid the fruit on their premises.
— Arab news

Asset declaration proof of government’s anti-corruption effort
The move by the current government to make it compulsory for all parliamentarians to declare their assets shows the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and increasing integrity in corporate governance.
— New Sarawak Tribune

PAC to haul govt departments, ministries, over discrepancies worth RM38.73m
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Noraini Ahmad today said that several government agencies and ministries will be called in by the committee following the findings of discrepancies involving government funds.
— Malay Mail

Minister: At RM29.3b, FDI inflow into Malaysia increases by 73.6 per cent
Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Darell Leiking today said that Malaysia had approved RM29.3 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2019 alone, which is an increase of 73.6 per.
— Malay Mail

No money lost from GST refunds – PAC
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigation over the “missing” RM19.4 billion Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds has found that there was no money lost in the GST revenue collection.
— The Borneo Post

PTPTN collected RM6.23 billion in loan repayments from 2013 to May 2019: Maszlee
The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has collected RM6.23 billion from 1.13 million borrowers in study loan repayments, said Dr Maszlee Malik (pix).
— The Sun Daily

DAP MP insists PAC report proves Najib administration ‘stole’ GST funds
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said today the Public Accounts Committee’s report on allegedly missing consumption tax refunds was proof the Najib government misused and stole public funds. Khoo said the PAC report clearly.
— Malay Mail

Focus on the economy, not PM transition, Umno Youth tells Pakatan leaders
Umno Youth calls on Pakatan Harapan leaders to stop pressuring Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to step down.
— The Star Online

Guan Eng says order to seize RM1b from China pipeline firm not from him
The Finance Ministry did not issue the order to seize RM1 billion in assets from China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Ltd (CPP), Lim Guan Eng said today. The minister said such an order could only have come from a law.
— Malay Mail

2018 AG’s report: RM18.91mil distributed to 49 NGOS, even though criteria not fulfilled
A total of RM18.91mil has been distributed to 49 non-governmental organisations (NGO), even though the organisations did not fulfil the necessary criteria set by the Unit for Socio-Economic Development of the Indian Community (Sedic), the 2018 Auditor-General’s Report states.
— The Star Online

MTAG eyes to capture a slice of RM8.11bil label and printing industry
MTAG Group Bhd, enroute to a listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities, is eyeing to capture a significant slice of the local label and printing industry which is set to reach RM8.11bil in 2023.
— The Star Online

Proposal to decriminalise drug addiction still being discussed: Azis
The proposal to decriminalise drug addiction, and possession of drugs in small quantity for personal use, is still at the Home Ministry’s discussion level and will be decided soon.Deputy Home minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman (pix) told Dewan Rakyat the proposal, which was first brought to the government’s attention in 2017, is still being .
— The Sun Daily

Omesti disposes of subsidiary to CTOS for RM26.88m
Omesti Bhd is selling its entire 100% stake in Formis E Solutions Sdn Bhd for RM26.88 million to CTOS Holdings Sdn Bhd. Omesti said in a filing with the stock exchange that its wholly owned subsidiary Man Yau Holdings Bhd had on July 12 entered into a share purchase agreement (SPA) with CTOS for the disposal.
— The Sun Daily

SESB identifies over 200MW of hydropower potential for devt
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is conducting several hydrological studies to further enhance and develop future potential hydro power in Sabah. Based on the study and aligning with generation planning requirements, the utility company has identified hydropower sites in Sabah with potential of 200MW to be developed in the next 10 years.
— The Borneo Post

Works minister confirms Maju Holdings made offer to take over Plus (Updated)
Works Minister Baru Bian confirmed today the ministry has received an official offer from Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd to take over Plus Malaysia Bhd.He said the ministry is studying the offer before bringing it up to the Cabinet.”No company other than Maju Holdings has made an official offer.
— The Sun Daily

Police nab five in Kuala Lumpur, seize drugs worth RM1.4m
Police detain five individuals including a Vietnamese woman and two Iranian men and seized numerous types of drugs worth over RM1.4 million here on Thursday and Friday. The drugs seized were heroin (19gm), syabu (25,692gm),
— Malay Mail

Soon Koh: My resignation is definite, will take effect only after meeting CM
Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said today that his resignation is definite but will take effect only after a meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
— The Borneo Post

Channelling GST funds to different account a breach of law, says AG
Attorney General Tommy Thomas said channelling good and service tax (GST) revenue directly into federal government’s consolidated revenue account was wrong. In his correspondence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last.
— Malay Mail

Former AG Apandi files RM10m defamation suit against DAP’s Kit Siang
Former Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has filed a RM10-million suit against Lim Kit Siang for allegedly defaming him in an article published by news portal Malaysiakini on his alleged involvement in the.
— Malay Mail

Gobind: Ministry fosters spirit of patriotism through RTM
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry continues to foster, through the Department of Broadcasting (RTM) and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the spirit of patriotism in the people of all ages, the Dewan Rakyat.
— Malay Mail

Devt target of four ZIAs in Sarawak hampered by lack of funds – Auditor-General’s Report
The target to develop four Aquaculture Industrial Zones (ZIAs) in Sarawak under the Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Programme (PPPDA) was not achieved due to lack of funds, according to the Auditor-General’s Report 2018 Series 1 released today.
— The Borneo Post

Tanjung Bruas Port to be commercially developed, says Melaka industry, trade and investment committee chairman
Tanjung Bruas Port will be commercially developed at a cost of RM160 million, said State Industry, Trade and Investment Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen. He said the development was in accordance with the.
— Malay Mail

NO money lost from GST refunds
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigation over the “missing” RM19.4 billion Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds has found that there was no money lost in the GST.
— New Sarawak Tribune

PTPTN people’s consultative paper to be tabled to cabinet this August
A People’s Consultative Paper (KKR) will be tabled to the Cabinet on a new mechanism for repayment of National High Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans, the Dewan Rakyat.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Tourist guide’s body arrives at Miri Hospital for postmortem (Video)
The helicopter carrying the body of 20-year-old guide Roviezal Robin, who was found inside Deer Cave in Mulu National Park, touched down at Miri Hospital at 3.13pm today.
— The Borneo Post

After PAC finds GST funds diverted, Najib insists had right to do so
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak conceded today that money meant for tax refunds should have been put into a trust account but insisted he had the power to divert these elsewhere. Amid growing calls for him to.
— Malay Mail

Malaria affecting Kuala Lipis Orang Asli not life-threatening
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pix) has confirmed a malaria outbreak affecting Orang Asli in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang.In confirming the news report earlier today which alleged more than 10 Orang Asli were hospitalised after they were suspected of having Plasmodium vivax malaria, Dr Dzulkefly said the malaria outbreak .
— The Sun Daily

Pakatan lawmakers demand action over GST fund diversion found in PAC probe
Authorities must investigate former Barisan Nasional (BN) officials responsible for unlawfully registering money meant for tax refunds as revenue in the Consolidated Account, said two Pakatan Harapan MPs today.
— Malay Mail

Financial management: 24 S’wak ministries, department, agencies rated ‘excellent’ – Auditor-General’s Report
The financial management of a majority of Sarawak’s 32 ministries, departments and agencies last year has been “excellent”, the Auditor-General’s Report 2018 Series 1 said.
— The Borneo Post

Agriculture ministry owes over RM200,000 in unpaid summonses, says A-G’s Report
A-G Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid says the ministry owes RM249,730 for 1,210 summonses issued for official vehicles from 1999 until last year.
— FMT News

Anwar backs Penang reclamation but wants fair compensation for fishermen, residents
Authorities should ensure adequate compensation is paid out to residents and fishermen affected by the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
— Malay Mail

LPI Capital’s Q2 profit rises 7.7%, declares 27 sen dividend
LPI Capital Bhd reported a 7.7% increase in net profit to RM70.78 million for the second quarter (Q2) ended June 30, 2019 against RM65.74 million in the previous corresponding period, thanks to higher contribution from premium income. Its revenue also expanded 9.6% to RM386.9 million from RM353.05 million.
— The Sun Daily

S&P Global Ratings believes Thailand’s economic risk remains high
S&P Global Ratings believes the economic risk in Thailand remains high on a global comparison due to its low per capita GDP despite its diversified economy.
— The Star Online

Chinese support for Najib was already on the wane before GE14: Nazri
The support of the Chinese community for Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and Barisan Nasional (BN) component party MCA dwindled long before the 14th General Election (GE14).
— The Sun Daily

Mixed marriages give rise to Sarawak hybrid population: CM
The cordial relationship among the people of various communities in Sarawak has given rise to inter-racial and inter-ethnic marriages and created a generation of hybrid population, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
— The Sun Daily

Five Perak alcohol-poisoning cases positive for methanol, says health exco
State Health, Consumer Affairs, National Integration and Human Resources Committee chairman A. Sivanesan today confirmed that out of the 28 samples taken from alcohol-poisoning cases in the state, five tested positive for.
— Malay Mail

Federal govt respects Sarawak’s decision on youth age cap: Syed Saddiq
The federal government respects the stand of the Sarawak government in making an in-depth study of the decision to lower the youth age cap from 40 years to 30, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pix) said here today.
— The Sun Daily

KJ wants police to follow up on GST robbery claim
The police must initiate follow up actions after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) absolved the Barisan Nasional (BN) government from accusations of stealing money meant for Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund.
— The Sun Daily

New technologies crucial for oil palm sector: Sultan Nazrin
The application of new technological advances and other innovations associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which offer a tremendous potential to boost productivity, is significantly lagging in the oil palm sector.
— The Sun Daily

Syed Saddiq: Federal govt respects Sarawak govt’s decision on youth age cap
The federal government respects the stand of the Sarawak government in making an in-depth study of the decision to lower the youth age cap from 40 years to 30, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said here.
— Malay Mail

Audit: 13 Sabah ministries, depts agencies rated excellent
Thirteen of the 29 ministries, departments and agencies under the Sabah state government audited in 2018 attained excellent financial performance, according to the Auditor General’s Report 2018 Series 1.
— The Borneo Post

‘Asset declaration a powerful tool to prevent corruption’
Compelling all Members of Parliament (MPs) to declare their assets is a huge step forward in the government’s efforts to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency, analysts said.
— The Sun Daily

Pakatan Harapan open to idea of PAS joining coalition – Mukhriz
Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to the idea of PAS joining the coalition for the unification of Muslims in the country, said Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir. He said any effort to unite the ummah was a good move, though it was hoped that PAS […]
— The Borneo Post

Dolphin carcass found washed up along Permatang Damar beach
A carcass of a dolphin was found washed ashore along the beach near Permatang Damar Laut near here.
— The Star Online

15 malaria cases reported among Orang Asli children
Fifteen cases of malaria, all involving Orang Asli children, have been reported in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, and the cause of the outbreak is being investigated, says Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
— The Star Online

Audit report: MaGIC is financially sound
Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre Bhd (MaGIC) is financially stable with the company recording a pre-tax surplus for three years in a row, according to the Auditor General’s Report 2018 Series 1 on the.
— Malay Mail

Hepatitis C: Free screening campaign nationwide by Health Ministry
The Health Ministry will organise the largest free “test-and-treat” screening for hepatitis C for all Malaysians. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, there will be over 100 specially designed.
— Malay Mail

Former AG files RM10-mln defamation suit
Former Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has filed a RM10-million suit against DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang for allegedly defaming him in an article published by news.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Over 46,000 students registered under 1P1P
A total of 46,072 students had registered under the business initiative, One Student One Business (1P1P) scheme, for free up to May 31, this year. Domestic Trade and.
— New Sarawak Tribune

New policy on fisheries being drawn up
The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry will draw up a new policy on the fisheries sector to curb the misuse of deep-sea fishing vessels in this country.
— New Sarawak Tribune

11-year-old Malaysian wins top prize in World Championship for speedcubing with feet
An 11-year-old Malaysian emerged champion in the WCA (World Cube Association) World Championship 2019 held in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday (July 14) in the speedcubing with feet category.
— The Star Online

Works minister confirms Maju Holdings made offer to take over PLUS
Works Minister Baru Bian confirmed today the ministry has received an official offer from Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd to take over PLUS Malaysia Bhd.
— Malay Mail

Opposition refers Guan Eng to rights committee after PAC concludes that BN did not ‘rob’ GST refunds
The Opposition has in Parliament today sought to refer Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to the Rights and Privileges Committee over his claim that the Barisan Nasional government had allegedly stolen RM19 billion in tax refunds.
— The Borneo Post

Bina Puri accepts RM303m Iraqi govt road project
Bina Puri Holdings Bhd’s unit has secured a RM303mil contract to build a dual-lane road in Nasirya city, southern Iraq, boosting its order book to RM1.56bil.
— The Star Online

Robots will replace 1 in 5 jobs in 5 years: survey
One of five jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation within five years as organisations worldwide focus on utilising these technologies to improve efficiencies in their businesses, according to a survey.
— The Sun Daily

Khairy: Police must act on report lodged against Guan Eng after PAC concludes no GST refunds ‘robbed’
Khairy Jamaluddin today urged police to take follow-up action following a police report lodged against Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng who claimed that the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government had “robbed” public.
— Malay Mail

SC: Wider credit spectrum needed
There is a need for widening the credit spectrum in terms of accessibility of the capital market.Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar said while the bond and sukuk market is deep, the credit profile is relatively narrow, with RM384 billion in papers rated as investment grade as at June 2019.
— The Sun Daily

Ismail: Eviction of non-Malay reporters from Umno event a ‘technical error’
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pix) has described the Lembah Pantai Umno’s decision to evict non-Malay journalists from the division’s annual general meeting on Sunday as merely a “technical error”.
— The Sun Daily

New SLS president pledges to complete unfinished business
The Sabah Law Society (SLS) held its second annual general meeting on Saturday with a record turnout of 329 members, around half the number of practising lawyers in Sabah.
— The Borneo Post

Former AG Apandi files RM10 mln defamation suit against DAP’s Kit Siang
Former Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has filed a RM10-million suit against DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang for allegedly defaming him in an article published by news portal Malaysiakini on his alleged involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
— The Borneo Post

AG report: PAC to question several agencies on discrepancies
Several government agencies will be called up by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to explain themselves, following the tabling of the Auditor General’s Report 2018, which found several cases of discrepancies.
— The Star Online

Nationwide free Hepatitis C screening campaign
The Health Ministry will organise the largest free ‘test-and-treat’ screening for hepatitis C for all Malaysians. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, there will be over.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Meet the 3 startups graduating from Vietnam-based VIISA Accelerator’s fifth batch
The startups have received a seed funding, and stand to get a follow-on funding of up to US$200K when they secure a new round from other investors Vietnam-based VIISA Accelerator has announced the graduation of three startups graduating from the fifth batch of its 4-month accelerator programme with the Investment Day.
— e27

Omesti unit sells Formis E Solutions to CTOS for RM26.88m
Omesti Bhd’s unit Man Yau Holdings Bhd is selling its 100% stake in systems integration and appication software company Formis E Solutions Sdn Bhd to CTOS Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM26.88mil.
— The Star Online

New Chef’s Delicious Restaurant rolls out award-winning dish, Special Two Flavour River Prawn
New Chef’s Delicious Restaurant is introducing its award-winning dish ‘Special Two Flavour River Prawn’ as part of its new menu. The restaurant’s signature dish was recently awarded Silver at the Global Culinary Challenge 2019 (Individual Category) held in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
— The Borneo Post

Money not from 1MDB won’t be forfeited
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Datuk Liew Vui Keong believed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would not take further action on the funds of entities, including political parties, as long as they could justify the source of their money was not linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
— The Borneo Post

Feature photo Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on Asalha Puja, July 16.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.