News

by GLORIA HARRY BEATTY

THE  Malaysian Anti-corruption Commission (MACC) has dismissed allegations circulated on TikTok as misleading and inaccurate, warning that legal action will be taken if the content is not removed.

In a statement today, MACC said it viewed seriously a post published on TikTok by an account identified as Justicenafisa (@misuscu.yong), which contained misleading statements and allegations involving the Commission.

The post alleged that MACC officers had issued a “false summons” and characterised the matter as a “scam”. MACC said the claims were wholly inaccurate and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the commission as a law enforcement agency.

According to MACC, a formal request has been issued for a public apology to be made and for the post to be taken down immediately. The commission said it would pursue legal action to protect its reputation and integrity should the individual fail to comply.

In a related development, MACC said it has obtained consent to prosecute from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in respect of the individual involved. Charges are scheduled to be brought on Feb 5, 2026, in connection with an alleged corruption case relating to immigration counter arrangements.

“MACC reiterates that all investigations are conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, and advises the public not to disseminate unverified or inaccurate information,” it said.

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SANDAKAN — KD Pari, which played a key role in Op Daulat to curb the intrusion by Sulu militants in Lahad Datu in 2013, has officially ended its service after 49 years with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

Eastern Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Khir Junaidi Idris said the decommissioning ceremony of the patrol vessel was not merely the retirement of an ageing asset, but a significant symbol of RMN’s transformation towards a more modern and capable fleet.

“This vessel has served with distinction in carrying out duties in Sabah waters and the Peninsula, with a sailing record of 397 million nautical miles. It was also involved in various important operations as well as joint exercises with local and foreign vessels.

“KD Pari is the first vessel from its squadron to be decommissioned this year, with several other vessels expected to undergo the process in stages,” he said after officiating at the decommissioning ceremony of KD Pari here today.

He added that KD Pari also played an important role in supporting missions under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to ensure security zones in the waters of eastern Sabah.

According to a brief history, KD Pari was launched in 1975 at the Hong Leong-Lurssen Shipyard in Butterworth and was commissioned on March 23, 1977.

Using the international call sign 9MJO and pennant number 3510, the vessel was initially placed under the Fast Attack Craft (Gun) Squadron together with six other patrol vessels of the Jerong class.

The squadron comprised KD Jerong (3505), KD Todak (3506), KD Paus (3507), KD Yu (3508), KD Baung (3509) and KD Pari (3510). In 2019, the Fast Attack Craft (Gun) Squadron was redesignated as the Fast Patrol Craft Squadron (SKRL-6), which also incorporated KD Serang (3502) and KD Ganas (3503) under the same squadron. 

The RMN vessels were subsequently placed under the command of Naval Region Command 2 (MAWILLA 2), based in Sandakan, to carry out patrol duties, particularly along the east coast of Sabah.  — BERNAMA

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KOTA KINABALU — The Sabah state government is pursuing integrated certification for the Quality Management System (MS ISO 9001:2015) and the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS 37001:2025), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said today.

He said the initiative aims to strengthen organisational governance, enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, and reflect the government’s continued commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability.

Hajiji stressed that the public service must be continuously strengthened to ensure services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

“This responsibility, extends beyond public service agencies to include all officers and staff of statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs),” he said in his speech at the State Public Service assembly and the launch of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.

The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to building a more orderly, structured and disciplined administration, noting that acts of misconduct not only damage individual reputations but also affect families and institutions, while causing significant losses to the state and the country.

Hajiji said civil servants should see themselves not just as those who follow orders, but as strategic partners in turning government policies into outcomes that directly benefit the people and national development.

Hajiji said recent political developments have strengthened the state government’s position, securing a two-thirds majority in the State Legislative Assembly and ensuring political stability for sustained development and long-term public well-being.

“The stability allows the state government to draft and amend the state constitution in line with current needs, including a proposal to limit the Chief Minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms or 10 years,” he added.

Other proposed measures include the addition of cabinet members to meet increasingly complex administrative demands, as well as the rebranding of Assistant Minister posts to Deputy Minister positions to better reflect current administrative practices.

Hajiji said the restructuring of several ministries, departments and government agencies, including GLCs, is underway to improve service delivery and performance, while ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and the protection of public and government interests.

 He said these efforts are in line with public aspirations and the state’s development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework. — BERNAMA

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IPOH — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has strengthened its global standing after being ranked 101-125 in the Times Higher Education’s (THE) World University Rankings 2026: Education Studies.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the latest ranking marks an improvement from the previous 126-150 band.

“This achievement further cements UPSI’s position as a leading education university in Malaysia and globally, and represents international recognition of our strengths in education,” he said in a statement.

He attributed the success to sustained efforts by the university community to enhance high-impact research, industry engagement and international collaboration.

Md Amin said the achievement also reflects the effective implementation of UPSI’s BITARA framework, which emphasises talent excellence, innovation and research, technological transformation, ethics and academics, ecosystem revolution, and global adaptability.

He said that the recognition aligns with UPSI’s core focus on the field of education and its mission to produce high-quality educators to serve nationwide.

“The achievement is also in line with the call by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir to elevate Malaysia’s higher education profile globally by 2030,” he added. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Starting today, e-hailing service vehicles benefit from more flexible Motor Vehicle License (LKM) fee structures following recent adjustments by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Road Transport Department (RTD).

In a post on its Facebook page, MOT announced that a key change allows e-hailing vehicle owners to renew their LKM ranging from a minimum of one month to a maximum of one year.

Additionally, the cumulative fee for renewal periods between one and five months will not exceed the six-month LKM fee rate.

Renewals remain subject to the validity period of the vehicle permit (eVP), the validity of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre inspection report, and active insurance coverage.

“This measure offers greater convenience to e-hailing operators and streamlines regulatory compliance. The initiative also reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, which prioritises efficient governance and well-being for all,” the post read. 

In a separate announcement, the MOT revealed that RM10 million has been allocated to assist 5,000 owners of vehicles over 20 years old in transitioning to newer, safer, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly models.

Under the Old Vehicle Replacement Matching Grant Programme, eligible recipients will receive a government grant of up to RM2,000, an amount that will be matched by participating local vehicle manufacturers.

The programme also streamlines the process by requiring the deregistration of the old vehicle through RTD’s online Vehicle Deregistration System (e-DeREG) and its proper disposal at an authorised automotive treatment facility.

Beyond improving road safety, the initiative’s goal is to reduce accident risks and safeguard public well-being, said the Ministry.  — BERNAMA

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