LIma 2015 - the biggest defence / naval and aerospace exhibition in the world.

This year is my second year to miss the exhibition. Must be age factor, considering i was involve with LIMA from the first exhibition until 2011.

It will be tiring for me now to stand on feet for 8 hours, 5 days and continue with social meeting and dinner.

But, the interest still there and missing my friends and competitors from all over the world. We remain friend after all this years.

i will post some of the news on LIMA 2015.

LIMA 2015: Two Indonesian aircraft crash during practice, pilots safe

Astro Awani | Updated: March 15, 2015 
(First published on: March 15, 2015 15:45 MYT)

KUALA LUMPUR: Two KT-13 aircraft of the Indonesian Jupiter Aerobatics Team crashed this afternoon when they grazed each other during a practice session for the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2015) exhibition in Langkawi.

The 2pm incident was confirmed on the Twitter account of "Kelab Penyokong Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia" @myTUDM.

The two pilots are reportedly safe as they were able to eject themselves from the aircraft on time.

The accident happened when six KT-1B aircraft were crossing the MIEC airspace before the tails of two aircraft grazed each other, a Langkawi Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that an eyewitness saw the tails of two aircraft collide and emitted fire before the jets crashed.

The eyewitness said he saw one of the two pilots escaped the crash via a parachute.

Another eyewitness told the national news agency that one of the jets crashed in Kedawang and set a house on fire there, but firefighters managed to douse the flames.

The Indonesian aerobatic team is reportedly one of five teams scheduled to put on airshows at LIMA 2015 which will be held from March 17-21.

The two pilots managed to eject themselves from their aircraft

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LDAu--u0D8

LIMA 2015 - best airshow of the year?

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition is shaping up the be amazing. The lineup is as follows (source: www.thisisflight.net)


Royal Malaysian Air Forcex6 Hawk (FP)
x5 MB-339 (FP)
x3 Su-30 (FP)
x3 F/A-18 (FP)
x2 EC-725 (FP)
A400M (FP)
Su-30 (S)
F/A-18 (S)
Hawk (S)
CN-235 (S)
EC-725 (S)

United States Air ForceF-16 (F)
B-52 (FP/S)
x2 F-15 (S)
F-16 (S)
C-130 (S)
KC-135 (S)

Republic of Singapore Air ForceBlack Knights x6 F-16 (F)

People’s Liberation Army Air Force (China)
August 1st x6 J-10 (F)

United Arab Emirates Air Force
Al Fursan x7 MB-339 (F)

Russian Air Force
Russian Knights x6 Su-27 (F)
IL-76 (S)

Indonesian Air Force
Jupiter Aerobatic Team x6 K-1 (F)

Armée de l’Air (France)
Rafale (F)

United States Pacific Air Force
C-17 (F)

Royal Thai Air Force
Gripen (F)

Malaysia Maritime Law Enforcement Agency
x2 CL-415 (S)
x2 AW139 (S)
x2 AS365 (S)

Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department, Air Unit
Mi-17 (S)
Mi-171 (S)

Royal Malaysian Navy
Super Lynx (S)
AS555 (S)

Royal Malaysian Army Air Wing
A109 (S)

Royal Malaysian Police Air Wing
PC-6 (S)

United States Navy
x2 F/A-18 (S)
P-8 (S)
MH-60 (S)
UH-1 (S)

Trade/civilian
Krisakti/1Malaysia x4 Extra 300 (F)
Malaysian A380 (FP)
Halim Othman – Extra 300 (F)
AirAsia A320 (S)
x2 DA-40 (S)
x2 DA-42 (S)
x2 TB-10 (S)
Typhoon (S) [mock-up]
PC-12 (S)
PC-24 (S)
MD-530 (S)
Grob 120 (S)
Grob 520 (S)
Falcon 7X (S)
Global 6000 (S)
Bell 429 (S)
TB10 (S)
CN235 (S)
Caravan (S)
King Air 350i (S)
Citation CJ4 (S)
CL-605 (S)
S-76 (S)
Evektor Sportstar (S)
AW149 (S)
AW Grandnew (S)


(F) – Flying (F/S) – Flying and Static (S) – Static (FP) – Flypast (SP) – Support

Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2015

Lima ’15 to be the best and biggest one to date: Hishammuddin

By LESLIE ANDRES | New Straits Times – Mon, Mar 16, 2015

LANGKAWI: This year's edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima) will have a more Asean flavour to it.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today he had put in motion a strategy to rival the best aerospace and maritime exhibitions in the world.

He said the keys to this strategy were two overarching ideas: the creation of a marketplace for commercial aerospace and maritime industries, similar to what is currently implemented at Lima, but with a focus on Asean consumption; and, injecting business activities to foster networking of Asean and global businesses, in line with the Asean integration agenda.

He said this was also in line with Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean.

"And, judging by the growth in participation and interest so far, Lima '15 is shaping up to be the best gateway to Asean maritime and aerospace industries."

Hishammuddin said Lima '15 would have many "firsts".

"Notably, Lima'15 will have the highest ever attendance by Asean defence ministers and their respective delegations, (more than 100) aircraft and 65 maritime assets," he said, adding that the number of aircraft and maritime assets put together represented the highest number so far.

He said there were 512 companies from 38 countries taking part, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the 2013 edition.

Another achievement, he said, was that 70 per cent of the world's top 25 aerospace and defence companies were present, including the top 5 helicopter manufacturers.

"This year is the 13th edition in its 25-year history and is expected to be the best and biggest one to date."

What happened in LIMA 2015

New Malaysian airline flymojo to operate from Senai by October

KUALA LUMPUR - The battle for air passengers in Malaysia is set to heat up with the entry of a new airline, flymojo.

Leveraging on the billions of ringgit invested in the economic zone of Iskandar Malaysia, it will use Senai International Airport in Johor as its primary hub, which is expected to give Singapore-based carriers a run for their money on certain regional routes.

flymojo plans to start commercial operations by October. Its managing director Janardhanan Gopala Krishnan told The Business Times he is confident that, crowded skies notwithstanding, there is a market for an airline that can bring back "the magic of flying", backed by seamless service.

Fares will be priced between that of full-service and low-cost carriers', he said on Tuesday, following the signing of a letter of intent in Langkawi with Canada's Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. The deal is for the sale and purchase of 20 CS100 planes, with an option for an additional 20.

He signed the document on behalf of Fly Mojo Sdn Bhd; Bombardier was represented by its regional vice-president of Asia-Pacific sales, Frank Baistrocchi.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak and Transport minister Liow Tiong Lai were also at the signing, held on the sidelines of the annual Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (Lima) exhibition.

Currently capitalised at RM3 million (S$1.12 million), the airline is privately held and fully-owned by Malaysians and backed by private equity, Mr Janardhanan said.

In a joint statement, the companies said that, based on the list price, a firm order for the 20 aircraft would be valued at US$1.47 billion, or US$2.94 billion for 40 planes; the Malaysian company is expected to be the first customer and operator of the CS100 aircraft in the region upon execution of a firm purchase agreement.

"We asked for Senai because we looked at the amount of investments in the southern corridor and saw no commensurate infrastructure there - in the way KLIA serves the central region. It was a good-enough reason to kick-start the hub," said Mr Janardhanan, who used to be chief operating officer of Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd, the operator for the Subang terminal.

Deputy transport minister Aziz Kaprawi said that as the only airline utilising the southern corridor, flymojo could transform Senai "into a key regional aviation and logistics hub, augmenting the government's push to develop Iskandar Malaysia and the southern corridor".

Kota Kinabalu in Sabah will be flymojo's secondary hub, in a development that will benefit Sabah and Sarawak tourism.

Mr Janardhanan said flymojo is building a team of 45 technical and cabin crew members. Some operations will be outsourced. For a start, the carrier will have three aircraft, likely to be leased, since its new aircraft will be delivered only at the end of the year. Each of its single-aisle planes will seat between 100 and 125 passengers.

The debut of flymojo comes at a time local carriers Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X are struggling to be profitable amid intense competition and over-capacity.

Malaysian-Indonesian joint venture Malindo Air, which commenced operations in March 2013, has yet to establish a sound footing; it is unclear if it is profitable.

Mr Janardhanan assures that flymojo will bring a different experience and level of service to the table - from the time of booking to when the passenger lands: "We think there is a market out there for those that want to experience fun, where travelling is an event. Now, it is like taking a bus."

Malaysian Airforce showcases newly-bought Airbus transport planes

The Star/Asia News NetworkWednesday, Mar 18, 2015

The first Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft showcased at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhi­bition (LIMA 2015) is the latest acquisition by the RMAF.

Malaysia has ordered four of the transport aircraft from Airbus Defence.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert said he and the Airbus team were proud to deliver the first A400M to their first export customer, Malaysia, outside the original launch nations.

"These aircraft are utilised with a unique combination of strategic and tactical capabilities that will transform Malaysia's air mobility force," he said in a press release yesterday.

The plane was handed over at the A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain, on March 9.

The A400M is able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high manoeuvrability and the ability to use short and unpaved runways. It is on static display at LIMA.

Aerospace industry to contribute RM32.5bn revenue by 2030: Najib

• News
 

 2015-03-17 11:31

LANGKAWI, March 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's aerospace industry is projected to contribute revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030.

This is in line with the launch of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2015-2030 in conjunction with the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'15) here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia had come a long way since the launch of first aerospace industry blueprint during the LIMA 1997.

He said last year, the aerospace industry generated RM19 billion in revenue and RM4.2 billion in investments, with 19,500 jobs created.

"To underline our commitment to this vision, the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a special body, the National Aerospace Coordinating Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

"This agency is tasked with implementing the blueprint and be the new secretariat for the Malaysian aerospace council," he said in his opening speech at the LIMA'15 here today.

Najib said according to the IHS Jane's forecast, defence spending in Southeast Asia will reach US$ 44.5 billion in 2018 compared to US$38.5 billion this year.

"This is in line with the trend of defence spending for the rest of the world.

"Indeed, this region is a key growth market for aerospace and maritime spending, not just in defence but also the commercial sector," he added.

On the maritime sector, Najib who is also the Finance Minister said, Malaysia has a long history as a maritime nation and it continues to be a key focus under Malaysia Third Industrial Masterplan.

He added that this year at LIMA, Malaysia will also launch the Malaysia Ship Building and Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020.

"In 2013 alone, this industry recorded a turnover of RM8.36 billion. I am confident it will receive further and stronger growth in all aspects of the maritime sector in future," Najib said.

He also said being situated in the heart of one of the most energetic maritime and aerospace market, with strong connections to the region and open, business friendly economy, Malaysia's future prospects for growth in it remains strong.

Boeing looking to forge partnerships with industrial players in M'sia

Kuala Lumpur: The Boeing Company, which again will have a big presence at the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition, is committed to being in Malaysia for the long-haul by teaming up with industrial partners to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes.

Vice-President, F/A18E/F International Sales, Global Strike, Defense, Space and Security, Howard Berry (pic), said the aircraft manufacturer was aware that merely offering a capable and affordable product was no longer adequate.

"We recognise the advantages of doing business in Malaysia and this is why sales in the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme here are that more exciting for us.

"The Malaysian industry will benefit by getting the technology, job creations, interactions with major corporations and become part of the Boeing supply chain," he said in an interview recently.

"It is not enough anymore to merely offer a capable or affordable product."

"While those are the essentials, it is becoming more important to bring industrial benefits together with your offerings because governments are looking to make politically smart decisions and spending their money most wisely," he said.

Governments, he said, were not only putting out dollars to make important defence acquisitions but it is also for them to reap benefits industrially as well as generate jobs for the populace.

"I often view Malaysia as this big market that's not fully tapped, it is a good and affordable place to do business."

Malaysia is also doing a good job in very quickly becoming more and more technically advanced so we get the best of both worlds here in terms of affordability and capability and this allows for the opportunity to make further investments."

"We believe Malaysian industry benefits by getting the technology, job creations, interaction with major corporations and they get to become part of the Boeing supply chain," he said.

Berry said Boeing also planned to leverage on LIMA which would be held from March 17-21, as a platform to broaden its dialogue within potential customers in the Southeast Asia region.

Some of the assets Boeing would flaunt at the biennial exhibition include two Super Hornets, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA), P-8 Poseidon, B-52 Stratofortress and F-15 Strike Eagle.

During the exhibition, Boeing would also bring images and models of its new AH-6i 'Little Bird' light attack/reconnaissance helicopter, which would suit the Royal Malaysian Air Force's needs, particularly given its porous borderline.

Berry said Boeing was optimistic that the Malaysian military would give the asset a keen consideration for acquisition.

When asked on any potential collaboration in engineering between Boeing and Malaysia, Berry did not discount the possibility given that the country was quickly becoming technically advanced and it was ready to climb up the value-chain.

"We have discussed with a number of Malaysian industrial entities on how we can bring Malaysian engineers to the United States for training as well as provide support for Boeing," he added.

He reiterated LIMA 2015 would yet be another opportunity to engage key customers in Southeast Asia and expose them to our products and services. – Bernama

Malaysia needs stronger aerospace players, says Mustapa Published on: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Langkawi: Malaysia needs to strengthen the capabilities of its aerospace players to support the growth of the industry, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said. He said as Malaysia aspires to become number one aerospace nation in Southeast Asia and an integral part of the global market by 2030, there should be a strong will and commitment on the part of local companies to expand their capacities and capabilities. "The aerospace industry is targeted to be one of Malaysia's main engines of growth in the next decade as indicated in the (Malaysia Aerospace Industry) Blueprint 2030," he said at the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology Open Forum here Tuesday. The forum entitled "Charting the Future of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry" was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15). Mustapa said the commitment from all stakeholders in implementing the blueprint initiatives is critical to the success of the industry. "With the right attitude and entrepreneurial instinct, the aerospace industry in 2030 is set to be a strong, dynamic and high-technology sector that supports the complete aerosystem lifecycle and an important economic activity for Malaysia," he added. – Bernama Speaking when launching LIMA'15 earlier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia's aerospace industry is projected to contribute a revenue of RM32.5 billion by 2030. The prime minister said Malaysia has come a long way since the launch of the first aerospace industry blueprint at LIMA 1997. He said last year, the nation's aerospace industry generated RM19 billion in revenue and RM4.2 billion in investments and created 19,500 jobs. "To underline our commitment to this vision, the Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a special body, the National Aerospace Coordinating Agency, under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. "This agency is tasked with implementing the blueprint and will be the new secretariat for the Malaysian aerospace council," he added. – Bernama MAHB, Nadi sign pact to enhance aerospace industry Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has signed a long-term concession agreement with National Aerospace and Defence Industries (Nadi) to support the government's initiative to enhance the development of aerospace industry in Malaysia. MAHB managing director, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, said the agreement would allow Nadi to develop about 5.6 hectares at Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah in Subang. He said Nadi has the right capacity and experience to make this project a success. "It is a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for military fixed-wings and rotary wing aircraft, and has also ventured into civil aircraft MRO," he said after the signing of the agreement at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA'15) here Tuesday. Badlisham said the development of the land would further position Malaysia as a global aerospace player with MAHB as one of the main drivers in the industry. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai witnessed the signing ceremony. Liow said the agreement would allow Nadi to focus on its core business while the Transport Ministry would work closely with Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to encourage more private participants in the aerospace industry. "As regulator, the transport ministry also wants to help in the commercial aspects of aerospace industry while Miti will take charge to secure investment," he said. Nadi is a significant player in the aerospace and defence industries, located in Subang. – Bernama

Acrobatic aircraft crash during practice for LIMA 2015

Navy scandal could involve more than RM48m

The Malay Mail Online

IPOH, March 17 — Investigations into the naval procurement scandal revealed a whopping RM48 million exchanged hands between the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet supply depot in Lumut and suppliers.

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) insider believes this could be the tip of the iceberg as the budget allocated by the government to the depot for procurement of fleet parts is RM300 million. 

He believes more navy officers could be involved in the scandal.

The insider said the figure could grow as the MACC had only been able to identify 21 suppliers since it began its investigations last Tuesday.

Yesterday, the MACC applied to extend the remand orders on six navy officers and five civilians at the lower court complex here.

Four other suspects — all civilians — were released without bail subject to them being called back as witnesses for the MACC. 

The six navy officers and five civilians have been remanded for three more days until Thursday. 

Malay Mail learnt the six navy personnel include a captain and two lieutenant-commanders.

The source said information obtained by the MACC following the arrest of the suspects pointed to thousands of false transactions that could amount to more than RM48 million.

This amount involves only 21 suppliers but it is understood there are more than 2,000 suppliers registered with the navy’s  fleet supply depot.

The source said the MACC hoped to track down other suspects.

He said  the  current    investigations included scrutinising bank accounts and also looking into movable and immovable assets, including the movement of money.

The commission will also likely look into major transactions involving those yet to be arrested.

Malay Mail had reported that millions of ringgit had exchanged hands between suppliers and members of the fleet supply depot over the past five years. 

Both parties had gone on to splurge their ill-gotten gains by buying expensive personal items and luxury vehicles.

MACC to question more senior officers over questionable Lumut naval accounts

IPOH, March 14 — The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is digging deeper into procurement malpractices at the Royal Malaysian Navy's Lumut base to determine the extent of such activities.

Malay Mail understands that MACC is wants to find out if more navy personnel were involved in the multi-million ringgit scandal.

An MACC source said the commission was expected to cast its net wider as it believed more people could have been involved.

The source said there was a likelihood that the six navy staff under remand had accomplices at the naval base.

“With many staff (working at the procurement section) there is a likelihood there are others who had been involved in these corrupt practices.”

The source said the investigation on six navy personnel and nine civilians was expected to lead to more arrests.

Malay Mail had earlier reported MACC's concern that certain documents pertaining to the illegal transactions could either be hidden or destroyed.

These include false or exaggerated claims and banking transactions.

Asked if MACC was looking at nabbing big fish, the source said the commission was not discounting any possibility.

“Nothing is precluded. If there are higher-ranking officers involved, we will nab them. However, such a move hinges on the outcome of our investigations.”

Among the six navy staff remanded until Monday are a husband and wife who are lieutenant-commanders. The couple worked in different sections at the naval base.

The MACC arrested five navy personnel, including a woman officer, and nine civilians on Monday evening for alleged involvement in the scandal.

This was followed by the arrest of another officer, the husband to the woman officer, on Wednesday.

The scandal came to light when it was discovered that some navy staff were living beyond their means by accumulating assets, including properties and expensive items such as luxury watches and cars.

Ex-admiral: Group manipulated Navy procurement system

IPOH , March 16 — The procurement method used by the navy to source parts for its fleet may have been manipulated by a small group of Royal Malaysian Navy staff and suppliers to mark up prices of certain items, claims a former high-ranking naval officer.   

Retired First Admiral Mohamad Imran Abdul Hamid, who served for several years at the Lumut naval base, said fleet procurement came under a special unit called Depot Bekalan Armada (Fleet Supply Depot).

This unit sourced parts from suppliers through a three-tier procurement system.

In an interview with Malay Mail yesterday, Imran said the three tiers of procurement were known as the Quotation Management System (QMS), e-procurement and e-bidding.

In detail, he said QMS was used to source parts which cost RM20,000 or less each.

If the part costs between RM20,000 and RM50,000, the e-procurement method is used.

E-bidding is for parts costing between RM50,000 and RM250,000.

He said the Fleet Supply Depot was headed by a commanding officer, usually a captain, with a commander as his deputy.

“Below them are the material controllers or MCs,” he said.

“Each MC is in charge of different parts or needs of the fleet.

“It is the MCs who normally send out the request for parts to suppliers using one of the three procurement methods.

“In the case of the e-bidding, when tenders have been received, a special panel consisting of the MCs, the commanding officer and the deputy will decide on the best pricing.” 

Asked how it was possible for the depot staff to mark up prices if the three-tier procurement mechanism already exist, Imran said it was not impossible provided the staff in the depot unit had “an understanding” on the matter.

He said he was aware of a particular naval part which was purchased for more than RM180,000 when he claimed it cost only RM30,000.

“I brought it up in Parliament and urged the government to tighten the naval procurement system,” said Imran, who became MP for Lumut after he retired from the navy.

He said it needed “teamwork” or “network” already established between the navy staff and suppliers over a long period of time to enable millions to change hands between the two sides.

Pointing out the probable way the two sides manipulated the system, he said this could have been done by pushing up an item fit for QMS or e-procurement into the e-bidding system.

“Let’s say one of the items to be procured is worth RM20,000.

“By right, the depot unit should use the QMS method to acquire it.

“However, this item is pushed either to e-procurement or e-bidding.

“Of course, the money is bigger in e-bidding.

He said once suppliers have locked in their quotations by the end of the tender period, the tenders are then reviewed by the procurement panel at the depot.

Since the value of items are not in millions the decision is finalised at the panel stage.

Imran, who once headed the navy’s logistics department, said once an item was purchased at a higher price, the procurement record would carry the new higher price instead of the older lower price, thus “helping” the “fixers” to reap profit from the marked-up item even for future transactions.  

He stressed the procurement method would be susceptible to manipulation as long as the same staff were allowed to work in the same unit for years.

Last week, the MACC arrested six naval personnel and nine suppliers in connection with malpractice and corruption in the order of millions of ringgit, believed to have been carried out over the past five years.

All 16 of them are remanded until today but the MACC is expected to apply for an extention of their remand period.

MACC zeroes in on major scandal in Navy

The RM48 million scandal could be the tip of the iceberg, as the Lumut depot handles an annual RM300 million budget.

LUMUT: At least RM48 million changed hands under suspicious circumstances between the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet supply depot in Lumut, Perak, and 21 suppliers, according to an investigation by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

The MACC has yet to comment officially but the result of the investigations has apparently been leaked selectively by concerned insiders at the commission to the media. The investigations centre on the last five years.

The RM48 million scandal, according to the leaks, “could be the tip of the iceberg, as the Lumut depot handles an annual RM300 million budget”. In that case, the list of suppliers involved would be more than the 21 identified so far since the investigations began last Tuesday. Some 2,000 suppliers are registered with the navy in Lumut.

The MACC sources were commenting on the case of six navy officers – including a captain and two lieutenant commanders — and five civilians who had the remand order against them extended on Monday to another three days.

Another four suspects, all civilians, have been released without bail but will reportedly “appear as witnesses on behalf of MACC on the case”.

Royal MAlaysia Navy Corruption Scandal -

Remand extended for navy personnel in alleged graft

16 march 2015

The remand order for six Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel and a group of civilians suspected of corrupt practices in naval procurement has been extended.

​Magistrate's court assistant legal officer Wong Lok Hai ordered for 11 of the 15 remanded since last Monday to have their remand extended for three more days, while four civilians were released.

The remand for the 11 was supposed to have ended Monday.

Last week, six RMN staff, including a female officer, in their 30s and 50s, were arrested following a tip-off that they were involved in corrupt practices at the navy's dock procurement section.

They had splurged lavishly on expensive cars, watches, and purchased several properties.

This caused Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigators to question their sudden ability to spend on luxury items way above their pay grade.

Nine civilians aged 20 to 60, who were working for companies supplying items to the navy, were also detained the same day.

It is also learnt that the suspects may have been involved in this "lucrative" operation for more than five years.

Published: Friday March 13, 2015 MYT 6:05:00 PM
Updated: Friday March 13, 2015 MYT 6:37:07 PM

Nur Jazlan: Armed Forces purchases must undergo audit

KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough audit of procurement procedures of the Armed Forces is needed to avoid abuse of power, leakage, misappropriation of funds and corruption, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

He said this followed the arrest of several navy personnel by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a special operation recently.

"The National Audit Department needs to carry out an audit on the procurement procedures of ATM's three wings (Army, Navy, Airforce) to ensure and maintain the respectable image of the security forces.

"The arrest of several navy personnel by the MACC for alleged involvement in corruption was indeed shocking, especially when it was reported to have been occurring over the past few years," he said in a statement here.

Nur Jazlan said MACC's operation proved that there were weaknesses in the Armed Forces procurement procedures and a thorough audit was critical.

Nur Jazlan said several years ago, PAC had called the Navy to explain the acquisition of the Eurocopter helicopters but many information were not disclosed on grounds that it involved secret and sensitive matters concerning national security.

"Armed Forces needs to be more transparent in the procurement as it uses the people's money and that it should not use the excuse of not being able to disclose the procedures on grounds that it was a secret and sensitive to national security, while there were elements of misappropriation and corruption among its personnel," he said.

Nur Jazlan said he would write a letter to Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang soon on the matter. - Bernama

Another navy man held

Posted on 12 March 2015 - 06:34pm
Last updated on 12 March 2015 - 07:20pm

P. Chandra Sagaran

IPOH: A Royal Malaysian Navy personnel was arrested for alleged corrupt practices by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers (MACC) bringing the number of naval officers detained by the commission to six.

The 39-year-old personnel with the rank of lieutenant commander was brought to the magistrate's court here today to be remanded until March 16.

Magistrate Suhaima Mohd Noor issued the order.

The suspect was accompanied by his lawyer Norhasham Hasan.

The officer's wife with the same rank was also remanded together with four other personnel at the magistrate's court here on Tuesday.

Also remanded on the same day were nine civilians, including a woman.

The officers between the ages of 30 and 50 from the RMN base in Lumut are being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009 and the civilians under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The officers are being investigated for soliciting and/or receiving gratification while the civilians are being investigated for offering and/or giving gratification.

An MACC spokesman said more personnel are expected to be remanded to conduct investigations into procurement of projects.

MACC obtains remand against 14 people including four navy personnel

Posted on 10 March 2015 - 05:20pm
Last updated on 10 March 2015 - 06:02pm

P. Chandra Sagaran
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) obtained a seven day remand order against 14 people including four Royal Malaysian Navy personnel to facilitate investigations into alleged corruption offences.

The navy personnel as civil servants are being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009 while the others are being probed under Section 17 (b) of the same act.

Based on the Section, the investigation is centred on any person or agent for soliciting or receiving any form of gratification or bribe as inducement.

They were brought to the magistrates court for remand proceedings in a MACC bus and escorted into court by the commission's officers.

All of them covered their faces from press photographers as they alighted from the bus.

One of the four navy personnel is a woman, while the remaining 10 are civilians.

The remand order was issued by Magistrate Rahimah Rahim.

MACC nets 5 Super rich’ Navy officers

BY JASPAL SINGH

IPOH, March 11 — They were middle-rank Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel but the lifestyles they were leading seemed to be that of those with high-paying jobs.

The officers were not afraid of spending money on anything they wanted and did not flinch at the thought of being discovered with huge sums of cash, sources said.

The sources said it was this uncontrolled lust for self-gratification that finally led to their undoing.

On Monday evening, five RMN staff, including a female officer, were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in and around the naval base in Lumut.

They are being investigated for alleged corrupt practices involving naval procurement.

Nine civilians including a woman were also held the same evening. They were officials of companies supplying items to the navy.

The suspects, in their 20s to 50s, were picked up following intelligence reports they were involved in fixing procurement details.

The five navy staff, stationed at the naval dock in Lumut are believed to be staff from the procurement section.

Malay Mail learnt the five had been leading an opulent life and their illegal transactions amounted to millions.

A source familiar with the case said: “There are thousands of transactions handled by the navy’s dock procurement section everyday and the transactions are huge.

“The suspects were operating like a syndicate. The five navy suspects were earning their cuts by working with the civilian suspects.”

It is learnt the kickbacks received by the navy suspects were in the form of cash and account transfers.

“They were living a lavish lifestyle, spending heavily on personal items and assets,” said the source.

He said the MACC had obtained a remand order for the suspects as the commission feared documents on dealings and transactions would either be destroyed or hidden by the suspects or their accomplices.

The MACC, he said, needed to act fast to obtain statements from them.

Malay Mail understands the syndicate operated on “several levels” and investigators were probing if other officers, including high-ranking personnel, also had a hand in these dealings.

A seven-day remand order for the 14 was obtained from the Ipoh magistrate’s court yesterday and they will be remanded until next Monday.

A senior MACC officer confirmed the arrest, saying more are expected to be nabbed soon.

“The investigation into the navy procurement irregularities involves millions of ringgit,” he said.

“We will issue a statement on the case in the next few days.”

Malay Mail learnt that the male suspects are being detained for questioning at various police lock-ups around the city while the two women suspects will be remanded at the Perak MACC lock-up.

The navy personnel will be investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for accepting bribe while the civilians will be investigated under Section 17(b) of the same Act for giving bribe.

The swoop against the navy personnel comes in the wake of the crackdown by MACC late last year against the officers from the  Royal Malaysian Customs last year over liquor and cigarette smuggling that cost the government billions in lost taxes.

The MACC had also recently picked up 26 officers near the Malaysia-Thailand border for alleged links with petrol and diesel smugglers in Durian Burung, Kedah.

Last week, anti-graft busters also arrested the chief executive officer of a Felda subsidiary over the purchase of a RM40 million hotel in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.

A businessman, in his 40s, who acted as the middleman was also arrested last week.

- See more at: http://www.mmail.com.my/malaysia/article/macc-net-5-super-rich-navy-officers#sthash.C5fQFDqP.dpuf

Navy staff suspected of corruption wielded influence, sources say

The Malay Mail Online – Fri, Mar 13, 2015

IPOH, March 13 — The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) staff suspected of engaging in corruption may have used their internal influence to facilitate their illegal activities in Lumut.

This was revealed with the remand of a sixth navy staff — a 39-year-old man with the rank of lieutenant commander — yesterday to aid investigations. He is the husband of one of the five navy suspects remanded before this.

The five-day remand order was handed down by magistrate Suhaima Mohd Noor.

Sources told Malay Mail the staff members were believed to have abused their positions to fill their coffers with navy funds.

“Their method was simple. They used their internal influence to make false procurement claims,” noted a source.

“We believe this involves marking up the prices of items procured by the department. Sometimes, they would even pretend to buy things which were not ordered.

“When the claim was approved, they would get part of the commission. Whatever they got would then be divided among themselves.”

The source said such a method was common in corruption cases.

He said the operation was believed to have been facilitated by more than one middleman, including some of the nine civilians nabbed.

On Wednesday, Malay Mail front-paged a report on the remand of five RMN staff members and nine civilians suspected of being involved in corrupt practices.

The RMN staff were arrested in and around the Lumut naval base. The civilians, including a woman, works for companies supplying items to the navy. All 14 were detained on Monday.

With sources estimating the corrupt activities had been going on for five to 10 years, the transactions could amount to millions.

Sources said the officer remanded yesterday was not in the same procurement department as his wife — also a lieutenant commander — but was stationed at the naval base.

“It is believed this man was part of the syndicate carrying out the corrupt practices, and the six people involved knew each other well,” said the source.

“Their extravagant purchases and lifestyle created suspicion and led to them being detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Malay Mail published a report yesterday on the extent of the lavish lifestyle allegedly enjoyed by the staff, which included buying luxury cars, expensive watches and multiple pieces of property.