Search Results

Liew (centre) with Lai (on her left) and the delegation displaying the events’ promotional poster. Wong, Krishnan, Suresh, Natalia, and Mohd Firdaous, from the left. 21 August 2025 KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will support the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta as a co-sponsor, aiming to ensure the greater success of this prestigious international event. The event is organised collaboratively by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Sabah & Labuan Chapter; Asian Tourism International College (ATI College); and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), and will be held from 21st to 23rd November at the SICC. Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew stated that KePKAS recognised the organisers’ 25 years of dedicated efforts in promoting Sabah’s hospitality industry. “Your initiative to introduce the Sabah Hospitality Expo (SOHEX) as an integral part of the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta from this year onwards is highly commendable. It is a strategic move in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.   We wish you all the best in organising these two major events. Do strive to attract more international participants from Asia and beyond,” she said, following a courtesy call from a delegation of the Events Organising Committee led by ATI College Chairman, Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau, on Wednesday. The Minister is expected to officially launch the events on 21st November. SOHEX will feature 150 booths showcasing a diverse array of food, beverages, and hospitality services, including live cooking demonstrations for visitors to savour Sabah’s culinary delights. The Hospitality Mastery Competition at the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, which encompasses categories such as patisserie, Black Box Cooking, bartending, housekeeping, and floristry, is open to both professionals and apprentices from Malaysia and the international community. Wong credited the 25-year success of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta to the unwavering support from KePKAS, along with other sponsors. He, along with Event Organising Chairman Krishnan Mogan and the new Chair of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, Suresh Ramasamy, expressed their appreciation to Liew for her ongoing support over the years. “It’s our festival, especially for all hoteliers in Sabah. We want to nurture our emerging talent and showcase their skills. Thank you to KePKAS for being our partner,” said Suresh. SICC Director of Food & Beverage Operations, Mohd Firdaous Mohd Izhar, who represented CEO Datuk Dr Hjh Rosmawati Lasuki, assured that SICC would continue to play its part in contributing to the success of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta. Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai; Secretary of the Events Organising Committee (for the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta & SOHEX), Mabel Cheong; and Secretary of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, Natalia Nadirah Saiman.

21 August 2025 KENINGAU: A new project, Bandukan Breezewalk, has been completed at Bandukan Public Park, replacing the previously dilapidated sales stalls. It was funded by a special State Assemblyman allocation. The aim is to improve visitor comfort while providing a more conducive business environment for local traders. This project was spearheaded by Datuk Robert Tawik @ Nordin, Bingkor Assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Public Works. Bandukan Breezewalk is expected to enhance the overall image of Bandukan Public Park and serve as a new attraction, not only for local residents but also for visitors from outside the district. The project handover ceremony was held on 19 August 2025 in a simple event at Bandukan Public Park. The handover was officiated by Mohd Azri Jaini Jeffrey, Assistant District Officer of Keningau, to Mohd Fawzi Mohd Kadir, Executive Officer of the Keningau District Council (MDK). The event was also witnessed by Rafie Robert, Deputy Chairman of the Keningau District Council, along with several other officials.

21 August 2025 TUARAN: There are an unprecedented number of initiatives introduced by the current State Government to support students in Sabah under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said, "Never before have so many initiatives been implemented for the development of human capital and education in the state. Over the past five years, we have allocated a total of RM1.33 billion towards this effort." Speaking at the official opening of the SK Bundung Hall in Topokon, which has been named in his honour, the Chief Minister said the amount allocated for state scholarships this year had risen significantly to RM138 million, compared to approximately RM50 million in previous years. “Even this amount is insufficient, and I have instructed the State Secretary to increase the allocation next year so that more high-achieving Sabah students can benefit from the assistance,” he added. Hajiji also noted that the State Government provides RM200 in cash assistance to around 40,000 students sitting for their SPM and STPM examinations annually. “I understand that among these 40,000 students, many come from underprivileged families. I recall when I was preparing for my Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) examination in 1971, my mother had to borrow RM15 from relatives just to pay for the exam fee. I know how difficult it can be,” he said. The Chief Minister affirmed that human capital and education development will remain key priorities for the current administration. “Human capital and education are central to the state’s overall development under the SMJ roadmap. While we have made considerable progress in advancing Sabah’s economy through the agriculture, tourism and industrial sectors, our mission will not be complete if we neglect the education sector,” he said. Hajiji also urged teachers to play a proactive role in sharing accurate information about government policies and development programmes. “Do not be influenced by the slander and misinformation spread by the opposition, who remain oblivious to the achievements of the State Government,” he stressed. He went on to point out the government’s strong track record in attracting high-impact investments and generating employment opportunities in Sabah. “If we were doing things wrongly, why would so many investors continue to come to Sabah?” he said, citing the most recent investment from a Singapore-based company which plans to invest RM31 billion in three phases in Sipitang. Hajiji also took part in a farewell cake-cutting ceremony for the retiring headmistress of SK Bundung, Grace Subramaniam. Also present at the event was Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Seri Panglima Jahid Jahim.

21 August 2025 KENINGAU: Five newly constructed sepak takraw courts have been officially handed over to the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) within the Bingkor state constituency, during a ceremony recently attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Keningau District Council (MDK), Rafie Datuk Robert, who represented Bingkor Assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Public Works, Datuk Robert Tawik @ Nordin. The project involved the construction of courts in Kampung Takad Selatan, Kampung Binaong, Kampung Buang Sayang, Kampung Bunsit, and the Bandukan Public Park, funded by the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports. The courts were received on behalf of the respective JKKK chairpersons by MDK Executive Officer, Mohd Fawzi Abdul Kadir. The JKKK chairpersons expressed their sincere appreciation to Datuk Robert for his efforts in ensuring the successful delivery of these sporting facilities for the benefit of the local community. Rafie expressed hope that the courts would be fully utilised by residents and properly maintained to ensure their long-term use. Also present at the event was the Assistant District Officer for Development, Mohd Azri Jaini Jeffry.

21 August 2025 TUARAN: A total of 24 trainees from the August 2025 intake have successfully completed the Basic Teacher Training Course for the Sabah Native Ethnic School (SAANS), held over three days at the SAANS Teacher Training Centre in Kampung Lomawang, Tuaran, recently. The course, organised by the Living Lab of the Sabah Native Ethnic School (MAANS-UMS), comprised lectures, practical sessions, and concluded with a written examination. The final results saw Gr. Jackson Korom, a native Dusun Gobukon from Kota Belud, named the overall best participant. All participants received certificates of attendance signed by National Heritage Expert Committee Member and founder of Sunduan Nabalu, Shalmon Sanangan, along with Associate Professor Dr Jeannet Stephen, Head of the Living Lab (MAANS-UMS) and Deputy Director of the Institute for Borneo Indigenous Studies (BorLIS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah. During the closing ceremony, Kiulu Community Development Leader (PPM), Gelubi Guntarik, representing the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, stated that SAANS is now firmly on the path towards official registration with UNESCO, supported by both the state and federal governments. “The tireless efforts of SAANS founder and President of the Sabah Native Ethnic Community Organisation Sunduan Nabalu (MAANS–Sunduan Nabalu), Shalmon Sanangan, have brought renewed hope to the cause of uplifting and safeguarding the customs, history, and cultural identity of Sabah’s Indigenous peoples,” he said. For the participants, the experience was seen as more than just a training course. Stela Resiun from Keningau expressed her gratitude, noting that the programme not only imparted knowledge, but also fostered a strong sense of identity and responsibility to ensure that younger generations continue to appreciate their cultural heritage, while strengthening inter-ethnic unity across Sabah. To date, 27 SAANS schools have been registered throughout the state, representing a diverse array of ethnic groups including the Lotud, Kadazan, Tagahas, Kimaragang, Tobilung, Liwan, Tindal, Rungus, Nabaai, Kwijau, Bookan, Paluan, Tahol, Gana, Tidung, Sandayo, Labou, Labuk, and Timugon communities. With the growing unity and dedication among SAANS educators and stakeholders across Sabah, there is strong hope that the vision of establishing these Native Ethnic Schools as a national model for heritage-based education can be realised in the near future.

Rozie Gitang 21 August 2025 KENINGAU: Parental vigilance has come under scrutiny following the exposure of a prostitution syndicate involving two female secondary school students in Keningau. The Form Two pupils were reportedly exploited by a criminal network operating out of local hotels, highlighting the growing proximity of moral threats within the community. The case came to light after concerned parents lodged a police report on 24 July. A coordinated enforcement operation was subsequently carried out between 24 and 29 July, leading to the successful dismantling of the syndicate. An 18-year-old woman, identified only as “Elly”, is alleged to have acted as the syndicate’s ringleader, or "madam". She is currently facing charges under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. According to police investigations, the suspect is believed to have recruited clients via social media platforms, charging approximately RM200 per engagement. The revelations point to the bold and calculated methods employed by the syndicate. Rozie Gitang, Principal of the Sabah Native Ethnic School (SAANS) in Keningau and recipient of the 2025 Keningau District Kaamatan Special Award, commended the swift action of the authorities and stressed the gravity of the issue. “This phenomenon not only endangers students and brings shame upon their families, but also tarnishes the reputation of educational institutions, places tasked with nurturing young people in a holistic manner, spiritually, physically and morally. If left unchecked, such crimes could erode the moral compass of our youth and jeopardise their futures,” she said. She further remarked, “Crimes of this nature were once thought to occur only in foreign countries. Now, they are happening in our own towns. Parents, educators, and the wider community must work hand in hand to prevent further victimisation.” District Police Chief, Superintendent Yampil Anak Garai, echoed the need for community cooperation in combating human trafficking. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities and to report any suspicious behaviour without hesitation. Authorities emphasised that early awareness, swift enforcement action, and strong community involvement are essential in addressing such threats. Students are also urged to reject harmful influences, uphold strong moral values, and remain grounded in their religious teachings, to ensure the hopes and aspirations of parents and society for the younger generation are not lost.

21 August 2025 KOTA KINABALU: The Republic of Kazakhstan has expressed a keen interest in exploring tourism collaboration with Sabah, recognising the state's international reputation for sustainable, eco, and community-based tourism. This development follows a courtesy call today by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev, on the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The meeting focused on potential areas of cooperation, particularly in tourism promotion and cultural exchange. Among the ideas discussed were joint promotional initiatives between STB and Kazakh tour operators. Also present were the Second Secretary of the Kazakh Embassy, Akmaral Belgibekova, STB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan, and senior STB officers. During the meeting, Ambassador Sugurbayev shared plans to bring the renowned Kazakh Concert to Sabah in mid-October, with performances slated to take place at several of the state’s key tourist destinations. The event is expected to be covered by Kazakhstan’s national television and broadcast back home, effectively promoting Sabah’s tourism attractions to a wider Kazakh audience. Both parties also explored opportunities for knowledge-sharing in rural, nature-based, cultural, and adventure tourism. Ambassador Sugurbayev noted Sabah’s strong appeal for Kazakh travellers, particularly in relation to its islands, diving experiences, cuisine, and cultural offerings. Discussions also touched on collaborations with Sabah’s rural communities. Datuk Joniston noted the shared heritage of nomadic village life between Sabah and Kazakhstan, suggesting both regions could benefit from mutual learning in developing rural tourism. He welcomed Kazakhstan’s interest and reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships that foster mutual growth. “Sabah’s strength lies in its rich biodiversity, vibrant cultural heritage, and our success in empowering communities through tourism,” he said. “We are always open to sharing our experiences and equally eager to learn from others. Strengthening ties with Kazakhstan opens exciting avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the tourism sector.” According to official records, between January and May 2025, a total of 20,102 Kazakh nationals visited Malaysia, with the majority opting for Langkawi—highlighting an untapped opportunity for Sabah to position itself as a destination of choice for Kazakh travellers.

21 Ogos 2025 KOTA BELUD: Pegawai Perhubungan Pusat Khidmat ADUN N11 Kadamaian, Carlye Lajimin, bersama Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat (PPM), Saikom Watis, telah mengadakan lawatan kerja ke Kampung Tuguson, di sini semalam, bagi meninjau beberapa isu infrastruktur yang dibangkitkan oleh penduduk setempat. Lawatan tersebut memberi tumpuan khusus kepada keadaan jalan pertanian serta jambatan gantung yang menjadi laluan utama penduduk kampung, termasuk golongan petani dan pelajar yang bergantung sepenuhnya kepada kemudahan tersebut untuk menjalani rutin harian mereka. Menurut Carlye, lawatan berkenaan merupakan sebahagian daripada inisiatif berterusan pihak Pusat Khidmat ADUN dalam memastikan setiap aduan dan keperluan rakyat diberi perhatian sewajarnya serta ditangani secara sistematik melalui kerjasama dengan agensi-agensi berkaitan. “Penilaian yang dibuat di lapangan amat penting bagi membolehkan kami mengenal pasti keutamaan serta mengambil tindakan susulan yang bersesuaian. Segala maklumat dan dapatan daripada lawatan ini akan dibentangkan untuk perbincangan lanjut di peringkat pentadbiran dan teknikal,” katanya. Tambah beliau, usaha penambahbaikan kemudahan asas seperti jalan pertanian dan jambatan gantung merupakan antara fokus utama dalam agenda pembangunan luar bandar di kawasan Kadamaian, sejajar dengan aspirasi kerajaan negeri untuk memperkukuh kesejahteraan rakyat.

Sholehuddinulfatih menyampaikan sijil penghargaan kepada dua ikon anak muda dan sekitar penyampaian cenderahati kepada Sholehuddinulfatih dan yang lain. 21 Ogos 2025 SANDAKAN: Seramai 300 pelajar menyertai program Watak Anak Bangsa Madani yang diadakan di Kolej Pra-Universiti Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Elopura Bestari, di sini, pada Khamis. Progam berkenaan dirasmikan Bendahari Skuad Anti Dadah Sabah merangkap Timbalan Pengerusi Skuad Anti Dadah Sandakan, Sholehuddinulfatih Mardin yang mewakili Pengerusi Skuad Anti Dadah Sabah merangkap Pegawai Khas kepada Ketua Menteri, Datuk Mazlan Joehari. Dalam teks ucapan Mazlan yang disampaikan Sholehuddinulfatih, beliau berkata, pengukuhan jati diri anak muda penting kerana mereka juga bakal mewarisi kepimpinan masa hadapan. Beliau juga menasihatkan remaja atau anak muda agar sentiasa berfikiran positif dan bijak menggunakan media sosial pada masa kini ke arah yang lebih baik. Program berkenaan turut dihadiri dua ikon anak muda yang berjaya dalam bidang sukan dan pendidikan, Riedzwan Norsyahmie Daud dan Afiqah Izzati Sundusin yang berkongsi inspirasi kepada pelajar yang hadir. Turut hadir, Pengetua SMK Elopura Bestari, Nordin Mohd Daud, Yang Di-Pertua Angkatan Belia Malaysia Sabah, Zikri Zainudin, Ketua Belia Pertubuhan Ugama Islam Seluruh Sabah (USIA) Sandakan, Mohamad Sufan Bahrin serta guru terlibat.

21 Ogos 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Ahli Parlimen Tuaran, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau membangkitkan persoalan berhubung kelewatan projek Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sabah jajaran Tobobon–Telipok–Bulatan Berungis. Menurutnya, pada persidangan Dewan Rakyat tahun lalu, beliau dimaklumkan bahawa projek itu akan siap sepenuhnya pada tahun ini. "Namun, sehingga pertengahan tahun 2025 pembinaan projek tersebut masih belum menunjukkan kemajuan yang memberangsangkan berbanding tahun lalu," katanya dalam sesi Soalan Lisan Persidangan Parlimen Dewan Rakyat di sini, hari ini. Menjawab soalan itu di Dewan Rakyat, Kementerian Kerja Raya (KKR) memaklumkan jajaran berkenaan adalah sebahagian daripada Projek Lebuhraya Pan Borneo (LPB) Sabah Fasa 1A, iaitu Pakej WP08: Sepanggar ke Bulatan Berungis sepanjang 11.7 kilometer. "Ia melibatkan kerja menaik taraf jalan sedia ada dua lorong dua hala kepada jalan berkembar tiga lorong dua hala dengan spesifikasi R5. "Setakat 25 Jun 2025, kemajuan fizikal Pakej WP08 mencapai 83.84 peratus, ketinggalan berbanding sasaran 89.88 peratus. "Kelewatan ini antara lain berpunca daripada pelaksanaan Projek Pemasangan Paip Telibong 2 di sepanjang jajaran, yang turut menjadi projek utama kerajaan untuk menyelesaikan masalah bekalan air di kawasan Kota Kinabalu Utara," menurut jawapan bertulis kementerian itu. KKR memaklumkan, daripada keseluruhan panjang 11.7 kilometer, sepanjang empat kilometer dijangka siap sepenuhnya sebagai jalan berkembar tiga lorong dua hala dan dibuka kepada orang awam menjelang akhir tahun ini. "Manakala baki jajaran akan disiapkan pada tahun 2026. "Kerajaan kekal komited memastikan kelancaran pelaksanaan projek memandangkan jajaran tersebut merupakan laluan strategik menghubungkan Tuaran dan Kota Kinabalu. "Bagi memastikan projek berjalan mengikut perancangan, KKR bersama Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Sabah akan meneruskan pemantauan ketat, dengan sebarang isu kritikal dibawa terus ke Jawatankuasa Pemandu Pelaksanaan Projek LPB Sabah untuk tindakan segera," ujar kementerian itu lagi.

Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali 21 Ogos 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) tidak berhasrat untuk mewujudkan kedai rakyat ataupun kedai MADANI pada masa ini. Menterinya, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali berkata, ia kerana KPDN mahu menumpukan kepada pengukuhan dan perluasan kerjasama strategik dengan rangkaian sektor peruncitan sedia ada sama ada pasar raya, pusat pembelian termasuklah kedai runcit melalui Program Jualan RAHMAH MADANI (PJRM). Walau bagaimanapun, katanya dalam mempertimbangkan penyertaan kedai-kedai runcit ini, ia haruslah mengambil kira dua perkara pokok iaitu yang pertama, aspek kesesuaian lokasi dan aksesibiliti oleh kumpulan sasar dengan jumlah yang lebih meluas. “Yang kedua pula, ialah kemampuan dan kemampanan kedai runcit yang terlibat menawarkan kategori barangan iaitu Stock Keeping Unit yang pelbagai," katanya semasa menyampaikan ucapan penggulungan Kementerian Perdagangan dan Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) perbahasan Racangan Malaysia Ke Tiga Belas (RMK13) pada persidangan Parlimen disini, hari ini. Armizan berkata, keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan kedai rakyat pada masa ini juga adalah berdasarkan pengalaman pelaksanaan kedai seumpamanya di masa lepas seperti KR1M yang melibatkan operasi tinggi seperti sewaan premis, logistik dan penyelenggaraan yang berterusan. Selain itu, katanya Kerajaan juga berhadapan dengan persepsi tidak adil terkait isu persaingan kedai rakyat dengan peruncit sedia ada. "Di samping itu, ia juga berhadapan dengan kekangan modal serta bekalan kerana harga barangan murah memerlukan bekalan dan subsidi berterusan dan ini menyebabkan kedai sukar mengekalkan daya saing,” katanya. Sementara itu, Armizan berkata, KPDN sememangnya cakna kepada persoalan mengenai tindakan Kerajaan dalam mengawal kenaikan harga barang serta tindakan intervensi dalam mengatasi peningkatan kos sara hidup. Beliau berkata, komitmen Kerajaan juga telah diterjemahkan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke Tiga Belas (RMK13) melalui strategi A4.3 iaitu ‘Memperkukuh Rantaian Bekalan Makanan’. “Ia meliputi penambahbaikan infrastruktur, penambahbaikan sektor peruncitan, penyediaan platform untuk ketelusan harga dan penguatkuasaan kawal selia secara menyeluruh. “Ini termasuklah pembangunan repositori harga dan bekalan untuk menyediakan maklumat bagi memastikan ketelusan harga di sepanjang rantaian bekalan yang akan diperincikan oleh Kementerian Ekonomi bersama-sama Kementerian dan agensi yang berkaitan,” katanya. Berhubung perkara ini, katanya RMK13 akan menumpukan kepada pembangunan Pelan Tindakan Sara Hidup Negara 2026–2030 yang akan memfokuskan kepada beberapa isu utama rakyat seperti makanan, kesihatan, pendidikan, perumahan, pengangkutan, pendapatan dan utiliti. Katanya, pelan ini juga dibangunkan bagi memperkukuh perancangan, pelaksanaan dan pemantauan strategi untuk menangani kos sara hidup dengan memberi tumpuan, antara lain kepada penstabilan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan serta pengurusan subsidi. “Ia juga akan memberikan fokus kepada penguatkuasaan secara menyeluruh dengan mengintegrasikan skop penguatkuasaan di seluruh rantaian bekalan dan pengedaran untuk menangani gejala pencatutan dan anti-persaingan,” katanya. Armizan berkata, RMK13 juga memberi perhatian serius kepada pengukuhan pendayaupayaan dan advokasi hak pengguna melalui pengenalan Pelan Tindakan Kepenggunaan 2030 yang akan memperincikan Dasar Pengguna Negara 2.0. “Pelan tindakan ini akan merangkumi aspek pengukuhan tadbir urus, pendayaupayaan pengguna dan pembudayaan penggunaan lestari,” katanya.

Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali 21 Ogos 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: “Sebanyak 268 perusahaan didapati terlibat dalam aktiviti kartel dan dua perusahaan didapati menyalahgunakan kedudukan monopoli mereka,” kata Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Beliau berkata, sejumlah 26 perusahaan yang terbukti melanggar Seksyen 4 Akta 712 kerana terlibat dalam aktiviti kartel tipuan bida telah dikenakan penalti kewangan berjumlah RM97.31 juta. Dalam hal ini, katanya, keputusan pelanggaran oleh kartel tipuan bida tersebut ada disiarkan di laman web Suruhanjaya Persaingan Malaysia (MyCC) dan saluran media secara meluas yang mana ia boleh dijadikan rujukan Kementerian dan agensi Kerajaan untuk mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya dalam mempertimbangkan dan menguruskan perolehan Kerajaan. “MyCC juga mengalu-alukan kerjasama lanjut dengan Kementerian dan agensi Kerajaan dalam menjalankan advokasi untuk memberi kesedaran tentang isu kartel tipuan bida dalam perolehan awam. “Pada masa ini, CIDB juga merupakan antara rakan strategik MyCC dalam memerangi isu kartel tipuan bida,” katanya semasa menyampaikan ucapan penggulungan Kementerian Perdagangan dan Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) Perbahasan Racangan Malaysia Ke Tiga Belas (RMK13) pada persidangan Parlimen disini, hari ini. Armizan berkata, bagi memastikan keteraturan pemilihan pembekal dan kontraktor bagi perolehan Kerajaan, Kementerian Kewangan telah menyediakan panduan dan rujukan kepada semua Kementerian dan agensi Kerajaan melalui Pekeliling-Pekeliling Perbendaharaan Perolehan Kerajaan. “Pekeliling Perolehan dikeluarkan oleh Kementerian Kewangan iaitu PK1.6: Integriti Dalam Perolehan Kerajaan,” katanya. Armizan berkata, pelaksanaan Integrity Pact (sejak 1 Jun 2022) iaitu pemberitahuan kendiri oleh syarikat atau pembida atau perisytiharan non-collusion untuk tidak menawar atau memberi rasuah sebagai dorongan mendapatkan sesuatu kontrak atau bagi mempercepatkan sesuatu urusan perolehan Kerajaan, atau terlibat dengan pakatan tipuan bida. Katanya, akuan atau perjanjian tersebut juga menggariskan tindakan yang boleh diambil sekiranya berlaku pelanggaran iaitu syarikat berkenaan boleh dikeluarkan atau dikecualikan dari proses penilaian tender. Selain itu, katanya dalam Surat Setuju Terima juga mempunyai perakuan daripada pembida yang berjaya untuk tidak terlibat dengan sebarang unsur suapan dan tipuan bida. “Ini adalah seperti dinyatakan dalam Pekeliling Perolehan iaitu PK4.2: Surat Setuju Terima, Pesanan Kerajaan dan Inden Kerajaan bagi Perolehan Kerajaan. Pekeliling ini telah berkuat kuasa mulai 1 September 2017. “Jika pembida yang berjaya didapati melanggar Akta 712, tawaran tender yang dimenangi boleh dibatalkan atau ditarik balik,” katanya. Armizan seberlum itu menjelaskan, KPDN mengambil maklum cadangan penambahbaikan agar pengesanan dan siasatan terhadap sebarang unsur kartel dan pakatan bida dilaksanakan sebelum proses perolehan dimuktamadkan. Berhubung perkara ini, katanya di bawah Akta 712, MyCC diberikan mandat untuk memulakan penyiasatan berlandaskan kepada empat (4) kaedah iaitu sama ada secara ex-officio proaktif MyCC sendiri [Seksyen 14 (1)]; arahan yang dikeluarkan oleh Menteri [Seksyen 14 (2)]; Berdasarkan maklumat dan aduan yang diterima daripada mana-mana pihak seperti orang awam, agensi Kerajaan dan pihak industri [Seksyen 15]; atau melalui rejim kelonggaran iaitu penerimaan maklumat daripada yang terlibat dalam aktiviti anti-persaingan [Seksyen 41(1)]. Katanya, semasa sebarang penyiasatan berjalan, MyCC tidak mempunyai kuasa untuk mengarahkan Kementerian dan agensi Kerajaan mengeluarkan atau mengecualikan mana-mana pembida dari proses penapisan dan pemilihan pembekal ataupun kontraktor bagi satu-satu tender. Ini kerana mereka masih belum dibuktikan melanggar Akta 712. Walau bagaimanapun, katanya kementerian dan agensi Kerajaan boleh membuat tindakan sewajarnya untuk mengeluarkan atau mengecualikan syarikat-syarikat yang telah diputuskan melanggar undang-undang persaingan.