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SHAH ALAM, June 16-- An official of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to 158 charges of using his position for gratification totalling more than RM98 million between 2021 and 2025. Fakhrudin Abd Karim, 57, entered the plea after all charges were read out during proceedings that lasted nearly two hours before Judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin. Under the first 149 charges, Fakhrudin was accused, in his capacity as an authorised signatory to a Maybank Islamic account belonging to IKRAM, of using his position to obtain RM81.95 million in bribes for an associate, namely a non-governmental organisation (NGO). bootstrap slideshow According to the charges, he allegedly instructed 149 fund transfers from IKRAM’s account to a Maybank Islamic account belonging to Ehsan Care Solution, an NGO in which he had an interest. For charges 150 to 158, the father of 10 was accused of committing a similar offence by directing nine other transactions involving the NGO’s funds into two of his personal Maybank Islamic accounts, amounting to RM16.32 million. The alleged offences were committed at IKRAM’s Hulu Selangor office in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang, between Jan 6, 2021 and Aug 6, 2025. The charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribes or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib proposed bail of RM1 million with two sureties, along with conditions requiring the accused to surrender his passport and refrain from interfering with witnesses. Lawyer Datuk N. Sivananthan sought a lower bail of RM300,000, arguing that his client was willing to fully cooperate with the investigation and that his son and a friend were prepared to post bail. The court granted bail of RM500,000 with two sureties and fixed Aug 7 for case management. Following the proceedings, IKRAM watching brief counsel Ashwida Abd Samad said the organisation had issued a notice requiring Fakhrudin to step aside from any decision-making role and barring him from involvement in operational matters. Earlier media reports said two individuals, including the deputy chairman of an NGO, had been remanded to assist investigations into the alleged misappropriation of approximately RM230 million in funds. -- BERNAMA

IKRAM Official Claims Trial To 158 Graft Charges Involving Over RM98 Million

SHAH ALAM, June 16– An official of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to 158 charges of using his position for gratification totalling more .... read more

GURUN, June 16 -- Two military personnel are believed to have died following an explosion during a training exercise at the Hobart Camp Shooting Range here today. The victims, a male and a female personnel member, were reported to have succumbed to their injuries while being transported to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) in Sungai Petani. Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan, when contacted, confirmed the incident and said police received information regarding the case at about 12.30 pm today. Details surrounding the circumstances of the explosion and the type of training being conducted have yet to be officially disclosed. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence is expected to issue an official statement regarding the incident soon. -- BERNAMA

Two Soldiers Killed By Explosion During Training In Kedah

GURUN, June 16 — Two military personnel are believed to have died following an explosion during a training exercise at the Hobart Camp Shooting Range here today. The victims, a .... read more

BALING, June 16 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Kedah branch raided an animal feed processing factory in the Kuala Ketil Industrial Area yesterday over the suspected storage of wheat flour without proper authorisation. Kedah KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said four enforcement personnel from the Baling branch carried out the operation at about 4.30 pm. “The inspection uncovered wheat flour believed to have been used in the company's animal feed processing activities,” he said in a statement today. A total of 53,325 kilogrammes of flour, valued at an estimated RM100,251, was seized for further investigation. Muhammad Nizam said a 25-year-old local man, who identified himself as the factory manager, failed to produce a permit or approval from the Supply Controller for storing the flour. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) he said, adding that firm action would be taken against any party found misusing or diverting subsidised goods. -- BERNAMA

Animal Feed Factory Raided Over Suspected Flour Storage Violation

BALING, June 16 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Kedah branch raided an animal feed processing factory in the Kuala Ketil Industrial Area yesterday over .... read more

IPOH, JUNE 16 -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, departed to officiate the opening of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, here, today. Sultan Nazrin also agreed that the centre, whose design was inspired by the art of gold thread embossing, be named the Sultan Nazrin Shah SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre. Also departing were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and the Raja of Lower Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Also present were the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Saarani Mohamad and the Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. In his opening address, Sultan Nazrin said that the centre is not just a complex equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, but is also staffed with experts in the fields of medicine and health, assistive technology, physiotherapy, as well as occupational and vocational therapy, social guidance and psychological support. "This centre is not just a health facility, but symbolises a migration of thought - a migration of approach, realising the country's vision and desire to modernise rehabilitation and high-tech services, strengthened with services that prioritise human values ​​and appreciate human values." "This centre should be seen as a symbol that the country values ​​every life, every worker and every family, a symbol that misfortune is not the end of life, a symbol that with the right system, a caring society and opportunities provided, a person does not have to live on the kindness of others, but can return to building a dignified future," his Majesty said. Sultan Nazrin said the centre, whose idea for its construction was sparked by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament, M. Kulasegaran when he held the position of Human Resources Minister from 2018 to 2020, gives new hope to patients and families and builds new confidence that injury is not the end of life. His Majesty said that the centre should be able to impress upon patients and families that with the right treatment, appropriate technology and an unbroken spirit, a person is capable of rising again. "For a stroke patient, this center may be a place to help them learn to move their limbs again, for workers who have suffered nerve injuries, this center may be a place to rebuild physical and mental strength." "For someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, this centre may be a place to retrain memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, this centre can be a place to shine a light of hope," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty also stressed that society needs to eliminate prejudice against those with physical disabilities and come forward to assist SOCSO's efforts by opening up job opportunities for those who have completed rehabilitation treatment so that they can return to living independently. "The effort pioneered by SOCSO to enter into a collaboration with 7-Eleven to provide a post-career work training program, with the potential to offer jobs, is a strategic approach. "Hopefully more private parties will come forward to offer CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs with SOCSO rehabilitation centers, offer vocational training and provide post-rehabilitation job opportunities," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty said that it is the fardu kifayah and responsibility of every human being to help ease the burden of those who face divine tests and are burdened by life's trials. Sultan Nazrin said that a country's progress is not only measured by its imposing rows of skyscrapers, crisscrossing flyovers, or large ports and airports, or high economic growth figures. "Real progress lies in the country's ability and determination to introduce and implement social programs to preserve human dignity, defend the weak, and provide a second chance to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be tested by illness, injury or disability," said His Majesty. -- BERNAMA

Sultan Nazrin officially opens SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, agrees to name it after him

IPOH, JUNE 16 — The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, departed to officiate the opening of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, .... read more

PEKAN, JUNE 15 -- Five individuals, including a nurse, have been remanded for three to four days starting today to assist in the investigation into the sale and purchase of suspected invalid sick leave certificates (MC). The remand order against all the suspects, aged 33 to 55, was issued by Magistrate Melody Woon Sze Mun at the Magistrate's Court here to enable the police to conduct investigations under Section 420 and Section 468 of the Penal Code. Pekan District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said all the suspects were arrested in an operation around Kampung Marhum and Kampung Kuala Pahang here, between 3pm and 10pm last night. Yesterday, Mohd Zaidi said initial investigations found that the MCs were believed to be sold at prices between RM50 and RM200 a piece. He said the activity was believed to be carried out in a planned manner with the involvement of individuals who acted as middlemen to find customers and manage the sale of fake sick leave certificates. -- BERNAMA

Nurse among five remanded for selling fake sick leave certificates

PEKAN, JUNE 15 — Five individuals, including a nurse, have been remanded for three to four days starting today to assist in the investigation into the sale and purchase of .... read more

KOTA KINABALU: The new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah building on Jalan Sepanggar, here, which is currently 90 percent complete, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the building will house all MACC staff who are currently in three separate offices. "We need to have our own building because it is a solid platform for us to act, carry out our duties as a truly independent and neutral identity," he said. He said this to Bernama and TV3 after visiting the Sabah MACC Office at the Federal Government Administration Complex Building, here yesterday. Also present was Sabah MACC Director, Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah. He said that by placing the commission's staff under one roof, communication between officers, controls and technical matters would be improved. Meanwhile, Abd Halim expressed his appreciation to the media for always providing the best coverage in every report involving the MACC. He said the media cooperation was in line with MACC's efforts to combat corruption in the country. However, Abd Halim at the same time reminded the media to maintain the sensitivity of the identity of third parties who are suspects in a case. "Avoid posting the suspects' appearances because they are just suspects, not yet accused," he said. He said media practitioners also need to be responsible for the accuracy of reports by obtaining authentic information from legitimate sources. He said this was to avoid any negative perceptions and to avoid publishing provocative or speculative news. "Ensure the authenticity and authenticity of the news, don't make it a delusion for some parties and a source of speculation," he said. -- BERNAMA

Sabah MACC’s new building expected to be completed by the end of this year

KOTA KINABALU: The new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah building on Jalan Sepanggar, here, which is currently 90 percent complete, is expected to be completed by the end of this .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, JUNE 14 -- The National-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M will begin with a special Tausiyyah @ Maal Hijrah and Maal Hijrah Prayer Recitation Ceremony at the Putra Mosque, here, this evening. The Director-General of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee, said that the program, which starts at 4pm, will be attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Zulkifli Hasan, while the prayer recitation will be led by the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque, Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. He said the highlight of the celebration is scheduled to take place tomorrow in conjunction with 1 Muharram 1448H at the Putra Mosque starting at 7am with the presentation of the Tokoh Maal Hijrah Awards in the National and International Categories. "The ceremony will be officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who has agreed to attend the ceremony," he said in a statement today. Sirajuddin said that 5,000 guests were expected to attend the celebration, including Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Services, representatives of ministries, departments, statutory bodies, institutions of higher learning and the private sector around Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. Sirajuddin said, "CIVIL LIFE, BLESSED UMMA" was chosen as the theme for this year's celebration to coincide with the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad's migration, which became the starting point for building a superior Islamic civilization through the establishment of the state of Medina. He said that the values ​​of justice, unity, trust, kindness and well-being that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) implemented in the formation of the Madinah community were also in line with the aspirations of MADANI Malaysia which emphasised aspects of sustainability, well-being, creativity, respect, confidence and kindness. "Therefore, the appreciation of MADANI values ​​is believed to be able to create a united, resilient and blessed ummah, in line with the spirit of migration in developing a prosperous society and country," he said. Sirajuddin said that among the special features of this year's celebration is the introduction of the Tausiyyah @ Maal Hijrah program as a new addition that focuses on the contemplation of Quranic verses, thus inviting Muslims to appreciate the meaning of hijrah as a turning point in life. He said that this approach allows participants to not only listen to the recitation of the Quran by the best reciters, but also understand the messages, wisdom and guidance from the verses recited to be applied in daily life. Apart from that, Sirajuddin said, the National and International Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026M Prime Lecture Ceremony will be held on June 18 at the Putrajaya Islamic Complex Auditorium starting at 9 am to allow award recipients to share their knowledge, experiences and views on the results of their contributions to the development of the ummah. He said that this year's celebration was organized in a modest manner but remained lively, prestigious and meaningful in line with the country's priorities in strengthening the fiscal position and the well-being of the people. -- BERNAMA

5,000 expected to attend National-Level Maal Hijrah celebration at Putra Mosque tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA, JUNE 14 — The National-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M will begin with a special Tausiyyah @ Maal Hijrah and Maal Hijrah Prayer Recitation Ceremony at the Putra Mosque, here, .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — All banks in Malaysia will abolish the RM1 charge for interbank cash withdrawals at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Smart Recycler Machines (SRMs) beginning July 1, 2026, in a move expected to benefit millions of banking customers nationwide. The decision means customers will no longer be charged a fee when withdrawing cash from ATMs or SRMs operated by banks other than their own. Previously, interbank cash withdrawals typically incurred a RM1 service charge per transaction. The fee waiver is expected to provide greater convenience and cost savings for consumers, particularly those who frequently rely on ATM networks outside their primary banking institution. Industry observers believe the move reflects ongoing efforts by the banking sector to enhance customer experience and support the country's transition towards a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem. The abolition of the fee will apply across participating banking institutions nationwide, allowing customers to access cash more freely without having to consider additional withdrawal charges. The initiative is also expected to encourage wider usage of banking services and improve accessibility, especially in areas where customers may have limited access to their own bank's ATM network. Further details regarding the implementation and any applicable conditions are expected to be announced by individual banks ahead of the July 1 commencement date. The removal of the RM1 interbank withdrawal fee marks one of the most significant consumer-friendly banking measures introduced this year, offering direct savings to Malaysians who regularly conduct cash withdrawal transactions across different banking networks. -- MINUTESMY

RM1 ATM Withdrawal Fee to Be Scrapped Nationwide Starting July 1

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — All banks in Malaysia will abolish the RM1 charge for interbank cash withdrawals at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Smart Recycler Machines (SRMs) beginning July .... read more

KUANTAN, JUNE 16 -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is confident that tahfiz education in the state is capable of producing a generation of huffaz who will not only excel in the field of religion, but also become experts and leaders in various strategic fields in the future. His Majesty said that the Huffaz generation has great potential to venture into fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, economics and national leadership, in line with the needs of an increasingly challenging world driven by technological advancements. "With a strong foundation in the Quran, they will be able to emerge as future leaders who are not only excellent in terms of professionalism, but also have strong religious beliefs, noble character and high integrity," said His Majesty at the Pahang State Tahfiz Maahad Excellence Award Ceremony 2026, here, on Monday. At the ceremony, His Majesty also presented awards to 48 tahfiz students who excelled in academics, memorization and co-curricular activities. Al-Sultan Abdullah said the success of Pahang State Tahfiz School and Pahang State Tahfiz Turath School, which were listed among the top three schools in Malaysia for the 2025 Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) results, proved the excellence of the state's tahfiz education system. "This achievement demonstrates the success of producing a generation of huffaz who are balanced between excellence in religious appreciation and academics, and my wish to see this tahfiz maahad become the premier tahfiz educational institution in Malaysia has come true," said His Majesty. The Sultan of Pahang also said that the establishment of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah Pahang Al-Quran University (UNIQSAAS) is a significant and historic step in strengthening the Islamic education ecosystem in the state. His Majesty said the university would become a new landmark in the development of knowledge based on the Quran and provide a more comprehensive educational path for huffaz to continue their studies to a higher level without abandoning the identity of Quranic education that was built since school. "I believe this effort will strengthen the Islamic education ecosystem in Pahang, thus making this state a leader in tahfiz education and Quranic studies in Malaysia," said his Majesty. His Majesty also stressed that the state government will continue to be committed to raising the academic prestige of the Quran at all levels of education to produce more scholars, professionals and leaders who are based on the values ​​of the Quran for the sake of religion, race and country. -- BERNAMA

Sultan of Pahang confident that tahfiz education can produce experts, leaders in strategic fields

KUANTAN, JUNE 16 — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is confident that tahfiz education in the state is capable of producing a generation of huffaz .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 -- Five Taiping Prison officers are currently facing disciplinary action proceedings, while a prison officer has been charged in court following an attack on more than 100 prisoners that killed a prison inmate last year. In an incident on 17 Jan 2025, the media reported that more than 100 prisoners at Taiping Prison were attacked by about 60 wardens during the transfer process from Ward B to Block E, resulting in the death of one prisoner, Gan Chin Eng. The Malaysian Prisons Department (JPM) in a statement on Monday confirmed that action against the prison staff involved was taken following an examination of the report and conclusions of the Public Inquiry Panel of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) regarding the incident. According to the JPM, it has provided full cooperation to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to ensure that the investigation is carried out independently, transparently and thoroughly. "The results of the investigation led to a charge against a prison staff member under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code. At the same time, five other prison staff are facing disciplinary action proceedings implemented by the JPM," the statement said. The JPM said the action reflects the department's continued commitment to upholding the principle of accountability without protecting any individual found to have violated the law, regardless of rank or position. "The department practices a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct, abuse of power or violation of the law in the service," the statement said. Meanwhile, the SUHAKAM Public Inquiry Panel in its final decision on the inquiry into the incident also recommended that Taiping Prison be turned into a museum because it was no longer suitable for use as a prison institution. In a related development, the JPM, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), is committed to continuing the prison infrastructure modernisation agenda, including planning the construction of a new complex to replace the aging institution. According to the statement, Taiping Prison, which is now 146 years old and has the status of a National Heritage Building, is among the institutions identified as needing immediate replacement. "The construction of new facilities that are more modern, safe and conducive is important to increase the efficiency of institutional management, strengthen security aspects and preserve the welfare of prospects and prison officers," he said. -- BERNAMA

Taiping Prison incident: One member charged, five face disciplinary action

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 — Five Taiping Prison officers are currently facing disciplinary action proceedings, while a prison officer has been charged in court following an attack on more than .... read more