M’sian Deliveryman Admits To Stealing Lingerie From Laundrette For ‘Personal Gratification’

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M’sian Deliveryman Admits To Stealing Lingerie From Laundrette For ‘Personal Gratification’ | WeirdKaya

21 Oct 2026 • 11:45 AM MYT

WeirdKaya



A delivery worker has pleaded guilty to stealing a woman’s underwear from a self-service laundrette last week.


Mohammad Hamdan Awal, 39, made the plea before Magistrate Nur Afiqah Radhiah Zainurin at the Melaka Magistrate’s Court in Ayer Keroh, reported The Star and MalaysiaGazette.

Stole underwear to satiate sexual urges

The charge sheet stated that Mohammad Hamdan allegedly stole six items of underwear belonging to a 26-year-old woman at a laundrette in Taman Tanjung Minyak Setia at about 2.30am on Oct 11.

For illustration purposes only. Photo via Canva


According to case facts, the victim’s husband found out about the theft after using the laundrette’s washing machines.

When he viewed CCTV footage from the laundrette, he saw Mohammad Hamdan committing the act, prompting him to file a police report.

The court also heard that Mohammad Hamdan stole the underwear so he could smell and masturbate to them.

9 months’ jail

Mohammad Hamdan was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Nur Zaidah Muhamad Zailani urged the court to mete out a sentence that would serve as a deterrent given the crime’s severity and purpose.

Photo via MalaysiaGazette

Defence lawyer Amritpal Singh pleaded for a lighter punishment, saying that his client worked as a delivery rider for an e-commerce platform to support his mother, younger sibling, and an older brother stricken with a skin condition.

Mohammad Hamdan was ordered to be jailed for nine months, with the sentence taking effect from the date of his arrest on Oct 12.

Pentagon Withholding Minab Massacre Report

Consortium News
Volume 31, Number 289 — Monday, October 19, 2026


Report: Pentagon Withholding Minab Massacre Report

October 16, 2026


A Bloomberg News investigations finds top officials delaying the release of the Department of Defense’s report on the U.S. attack on an Iranian school until after the U.S. midterms

U.S, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on March 4, during a Pentagon press briefing on the U.S, unauthorized war on Iran. (DoW/Alexander Kubitza)

By Dave DeCamp
Antiwar.com

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that top Pentagon officials have expressed that they will withhold the release of an internal report on the U.S. bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, southern Iran, which massacred at least 120 children, through the midterm elections.

According to an earlier Bloomberg investigation into the attack, within hours of the strikes, Pentagon personnel were aware that the U.S. was responsible, but the Trump administration has still not admitted to carrying out the attack.

The new Bloomberg report said that advisers to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have conveyed to other Pentagon personnel that the report on the massacre, which found flawed intelligence, outdated imagery and an overreliance on AI contributed to the attack, will not be shared with the public before the Nov. 3 elections. Officials said the investigation has been all but complete for several months.

The exact toll in the bombing varies, with Bloomberg putting the number of children killed at 123, while the general prosecutor in Minab said in early April that the final death toll was 156, including 120 students — 73 boys, 47 girls — 26 female teachers, the unborn child of a pregnant teacher, seven parents, a school-bus driver and a technician at a nearby clinic.

Funeral on March 3 for Iranian children killed by the Feb. 28 U.S. strike on a primary school in Minab. (Tasnim News Agency/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 4.0)


Drop Site News recently published an extensive report on the massacre from the perspective of the parents of the people who experienced it, including parents and relatives of children who were killed, children who survived, rescue workers and teachers.

The massacre is one of the worst U.S. war crimes since the Vietnam War, and it came after Hegseth hollowed out mechanisms meant to reduce civilian harm.

Last month, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth that included an article about how the Pentagon chief ignored U.S. laws meant to minimize civilian harm and tied it to the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School.

The resolution reads:

“The elementary school was struck after Secretary Hegseth sought to repeal congressionally mandated civilian-protection requirements, dismantled the Department’s civilian-harm mitigation infrastructure, removed the senior-most Judge Advocates General responsible for independent legal oversight, stripped civilian protection from the National Defense Strategy, and publicly denigrated legal restraints on military force as obstacles to ‘maximum lethality.’”



Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.

This article is from Antiwar.com

Fake News Media Claims Kim Jong Un Died During Surgery… Kim Then Releases ‘Proof of Life’ Photos in Stunning Rebuttal

 

Fake News Media Claims Kim Jong Un Died During Surgery… Kim Then Releases ‘Proof of Life’ Photos in Stunning Rebuttal

 

Claims that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had suffered a brain hemorrhage, fallen into a coma, and been rushed to a Beijing hospital—or even died—circulated widely this week.

The reports, amplified by The Sun citing sources and traced in part to a Chinese dissident, described him as critically ill due to obesity, hereditary cardiovascular risks, and prior health issues, with some versions alleging his body had been secretly returned to North Korea.

North Korean state media quickly countered the rumors by releasing photographs of Kim appearing healthy while touring a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.

The images, distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, showed him walking and speaking with officials, directly contradicting the more extreme death claims.

The episode fits a familiar pattern of unverified health rumors about Kim, driven by North Korea’s extreme secrecy, his well-documented weight and lifestyle risks, and ongoing questions about succession.

South Korean intelligence said it had seen no evidence supporting the reports, and there were no observable signs of instability such as unusual border activity.

Similar false claims, including one in 2020, have repeatedly proven unfounded once Kim reappeared in public.

GhostofBasedPatrickHenry: I take full responsibility for this.

I should have never disclosed on The Blitz my deep emotional investment in the Kim Jong Un story arc.

Now they are trying to kill my boy, at least narratively.

But who started this rumor?

So the guy who started this rumor is a member of a political party that is banned in China?

Naturally, I inquired further.

So this political party was founded in the late 1990’s?

By NGO’s connected to the Tiananmen Square incident?

According to Matthew Ehret—whose opinion I do trust on these matters—that incident was actually a failed color revolution against the Chinese government.

It doesn’t seem like a stretch at all to speculate that perhaps the CIA is behind this whole “Kim Jong Un is dead” narrative.

I’m just glad that our boy had the wherewithal to put out some photos. The fact that they were photos of him clothes shopping is laugh out loud funny.

The only thing that would have made it funnier would have been if he was shopping for more Hillary Clinton pantsuits.

Thankful that our guy is still alive and not arkanicided.

We need more Kim Jong Un in our lives.

Akmal to sell motorbike, farmed fish to help settle Teresa Kok lawsuit

Akmal to sell motorbike, farmed fish to help settle Teresa Kok lawsuit

By GERARD GIMINO

Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 | 6:01 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh will be selling his motorcycle and farmed tilapia fish to raise the RM300,000 in damages awarded to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in her defamation suit against him.

Dr Akmal said he respects the court order and is ready to comply.


"RM300,000 is a big amount for me and even after taking into account my savings, it is still not enough," he said on Facebook on Wednesday (Oct 21).

"With a heavy heart, I am offering to sell off my two beloved assets – my motorcycle and bred tilapias.


"Both hold their own stories of struggle and happiness for me.

"Even writing that I intend to sell them feels difficult as it is hard to part with something we love."

He also urged interested buyers to message him privately with their offers.

"If both parties can agree on a price, we will proceed," he said.

Dr Akmal also expressed gratitude for those who expressed concern and encouragement.

ALSO READ: Teresa Kok wins RM250,000 defamation suit against Akmal Saleh

"Some suggested setting up a donation fund to help me settle the (suit).

"However, please allow me to try to raise the money on my own first.

"I know that each of you also have families, financial commitments and difficulties of your own," he said.

Dr Akmal said it would weigh even more heavily on him to burden others when he still has possessions to liquidate.

On Monday (Oct 19), Kok won her defamation suit against Dr Akmal at the Melaka High Court.

Justice Datuk Isa Aziz Ibrahim ordered him to pay RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in costs over remarks concerning halal certification.

The court also ordered him to remove the offending posts within seven days and barred him from repeating the defamatory statements, according to Kok’s lawyer Datuk Sankara Nair.

Kok filed the suit in October 2024 over statements Dr Akmal made in a TikTok video posted on Sept 7 that year.

In her statement of claim, she alleged that the remarks insulted and belittled her, portraying her as lacking knowledge of halal certification and opposing government policies on Islamic practices.

She named Dr Akmal, the incumbent Merlimau assemblyman, as the sole defendant and sought damages and an injunction to prevent him from repeating the statements.

Ketuanan & Keadilan Judaism

 

'Visible hand' interfering in Negri's affairs, Hadi alleges in Dewan Rakyat

'Visible hand' interfering in Negri's affairs, Hadi alleges in Dewan Rakyat

By QISTINA SALLEHUDDIN and KHOO GEK SAN

Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 | 6:37 PM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has raised questions over the forces behind the crisis in Negri Sembilan, saying democratic principles were not being respected.

The Marang MP also alleged interference in the state’s customary affairs and that an apparent “visible hand” was interfering in the state’s affairs.


“What is happening in Negri Sembilan is very worrying. We have seen how the state government was formed by parties elected in the election.

“The parties agreed to form a coalition government between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), but I understand that Umno, which is part of BN, no longer wishes to work with PN.

“This has created problems for a democratically elected government, to the extent that even exco members are facing dismissal.

“They are not allowed to enter their offices. The offices are being guarded and controlled, so here is democracy? Democracy is not being respected.

“I do not think it is an invisible hand, but one that is clearly visible,” he said when debating the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 21).

Earlier, Datuk Rosol Wahid (PAS-Hulu Terengganu) had asked Abdul Hadi about the turmoil in Negri Sembilan, alleging that an invisible hand was involved and that the people’s democratic voice was being denied.

Abdul Hadi, who is also PAS president, said all parties must respect the constitutional monarchy and ensure that it operates within the constitutional framework.

 

Prabowo berates countries that ‘insult’ Indonesia over wildfires

Prabowo berates countries that ‘insult’ Indonesia over wildfires

3 hours ago

AFP

The Indonesian president blamed unnamed corporations for the wildfires that have devastated large areas and sent toxic haze into neighbouring countries.

President Prabowo said he had asked for investigations into the cause of the fires, which he insisted were ‘not purely natural’. (EPA Images pic)

JAKARTA:

Indonesia’s president railed Wednesday against “countries that like to insult” his nation over wildfires that have razed vast areas, spewing toxic haze into neighbouring countries.

The Southeast Asian giant has for months struggled to contain fires that Nusantara Atlas, an independent monitor analysing satellite data, said have consumed more than 1.9 million hectares in the nine months to September.

The haze has sent air pollution levels surging to dangerous levels not only at home but also in Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor, prompting the Asean regional bloc to call a meeting over the crisis.

“As for certain countries that like to insult the Indonesian nation, when the time comes, we will reveal the companies involved,” Prabowo told a cabinet meeting Wednesday, claiming that “many corporations bear responsibility” for the crisis.

He did not name names or nationalities.

The leaders of Indonesia’s neighbours have offered help while steering clear of overt criticism at the highest diplomatic level.

With public anger growing, however, a Malaysian MP last week called for Indonesia to be treated as an “outcast” in the region.

“Indonesia is a polite and patient nation. Our country is often insulted, but believe me, our nation does not want to be insulted all the time,” Prabowo said.

The president said he had asked for investigations into the cause of the fires, which he insisted were “not purely natural”.

Experts say Indonesia’s wildfires can be blamed in large part on slash-and-burn land-clearing practices that result in the destruction of fire-resistant forest cover and drained peatlands.

This year, the blazes were intensified by a severe drought fuelled by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

“I am asking the police, the attorney general’s office, the ministry of forestry, with the support of the Armed Forces and intelligence services, to investigate,” said Prabowo.

“The people have also caught various individuals who deliberately set fires – this is something we can regard as environmental terrorism.”

The president, who marked two years in office Tuesday with record-low approval levels, said deliberate fire-setting amounted to “a crime against humanity, because what they have done endangers the health of millions of our citizens”.

Once the evidence is in, he added, “We will revoke all licences of companies that violate the law.”

Civil servants effectively banned from using Waze app due to Israel ties

Traffic is seen at the Juru Toll Plaza in Penang on May 9, 2022. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin


Summary

• The Malaysian federal government has banned civil servants from using the Waze navigation app, citing concerns over the potential exploitation of sensitive government and personal data by Israel.
• The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the directive, emphasizing the need to protect national security and sovereign interests.
• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also urged the public to switch to local navigation solutions like the TuJu app, which offers better data governance and privacy.
• This decision was formalized by the National Cyber Security Committee and communicated through a circular to ensure immediate enforcement across public sectors.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 5:25 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — The federal government barred all civil servants from using the Waze navigation application over concerns that sensitive official data and users’ personal information could be harvested and exploited by Israel, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed today.

In a statement, the PMO confirmed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered an immediate ban across the public sector to safeguard government data and citizens’ movement information.

“This decision takes into account the status of Waze Mobile Ltd. As the data controller of users, incorporated and operating under Israeli law.

“Sensitive government information and the personal data of the people must be protected from being exploited by the Israeli regime in ways that could compromise national security and sovereignty,” the statement read.


PMO explained that Waze Mobile Ltd, which acts as the legal data controller for all user information collected via the platform, remains incorporated and subject to Israeli jurisdiction.

Official communications stressed that sensitive government logistics and personal travel records must be shielded from state-level exploitation that could compromise national security and sovereign interests.

Anwar also called on the wider Malaysian public to delete the app and migrate to homegrown navigational platforms like TuJu, pointing to the stronger data governance and privacy guarantees provided by domestic solutions.


“The MADANI government’s stance is firm, and we will close any space that can be exploited by the Israeli regime to threaten the security of the nation and its people,” the statement said.


The prohibition formalises a decision reached by the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN) during its third meeting of 2026 on Oct 20, which was chaired directly by Anwar.

Following the committee’s decision, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar issued a formal circular directing all ministry secretaries-general, federal department heads, state secretaries, statutory body chiefs, and local council leaders to enforce the ban immediately across all departments and subordinate agencies.

Anwar had earlier raised security concerns on Oct 20 regarding the exposure of citizens’ geolocation profiles, pointing out that Waze operates within the Israeli statutory and regulatory framework.

To replace foreign navigation tools, the government is throwing its weight behind TuJu, a local mobility platform jointly developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd.

Officially unveiled by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on Nov 26, 2025, the application is available across major mobile app stores. Alongside turn-by-turn navigation and estimated arrival times, the app integrates real-time highway toll data, live traffic camera feeds, rest-and-service area locator tools, and on-demand highway emergency assistance.

No order to step down: Shuhaily to remain on duty after claiming trial to assaulting Special Branch cops

No order to step down: Shuhaily to remain on duty after claiming trial to assaulting Special Branch cops



Lawyer Datuk Rosol Azimin Ahmad speaks to the media at the Sepang Court Complex in Sepang on October 21, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, director-general of the Malaysian Checkpoints and Borders Agency, will continue his duties unless instructed otherwise by the government, as no formal interdictions have been issued against him.
• His lawyer, Datuk Rosal Azimin Ahmad, highlighted that any decision about Shuhaily's service is pending further instructions from the Public Service Department.
• Shuhaily faces two charges under Section 323 of the Penal Code for allegedly assaulting two police officers, with a bail set at RM3,000.
• The case, stemming from an incident at KLIA Terminal 1, has gained significant public attention.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 11:39 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Malaysian Checkpoints and Borders Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain will remain at his post and carry out his duties as normal unless directed otherwise by the government, his legal team confirmed today.

Speaking to reporters outside the Sepang Sessions and Magistrates’ Court Complex, lawyer Datuk Rosal Azimin Ahmad said no official instructions or interdictions have been issued by administrative authorities barring his client from continuing as a senior civil servant.


Rosal clarified that any formal determination regarding Shuhaily’s service status rests entirely in the hands of the Public Service Department and central government leadership, Berita Harian reported.

“So far, in the absence of any directive, he will continue performing his duties as usual,” he said during a press conference following the morning court proceedings.


Touching on the bail hearing, Rosal revealed that the magistrate set bail at RM1,500 for each charge with one surety, amounting to a combined RM3,000.

The court fixed Nov 25 for next case mention. Rosal noted that the defence is awaiting the complete bundle of prosecution documents under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code before deciding whether to submit formal representations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Commenting on Shuhaily’s disposition, the lawyer said the 54-year-old enforcement chief remains calm and prepared to see the legal process through to its conclusion.


“He accepts what has happened and does not blame anyone,” he said.


Earlier in the morning, Shuhaily claimed trial to two counts under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to Lance Corporal Mohammad Faiz Muhamad Saman, 40, and Lance Corporal Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan Driman. If convicted, the minor assault charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both.

The prosecution stems from a confrontation on Sept 28 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, which drew intense public scrutiny after video footage went viral showing a senior official matching Shuhaily’s likeness rebuking two Special Branch travel control officers, with one of them appearing to be pulled by the ear.

Can the Yamtuan remove excos without MB’s advice? Sacked Negeri Sembilan councillors turn to apex court

Can the Yamtuan remove excos without MB’s advice? Sacked Negeri Sembilan councillors turn to apex court



Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim (right) attends a press conference with state exco members in Seremban on September 24, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• A constitutional dispute has been initiated at the Federal Court by ten former executive council members from Negeri Sembilan, challenging the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz's decision to revoke their appointments without the menteri besar's advice.
• The group seeks a ruling on the constitutionality of their dismissal, arguing that it may contravene the state constitution if it allows the ruler discretionary power to dismiss councillors without adhering to governmental advice.
• This legal action follows their dismissal due to allegations of disloyalty after they supported a rival claimant to the throne.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 12:51 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Ten dismissed Negeri Sembilan executive council members have mounted an unprecedented constitutional dispute at the Federal Court, asking it to determine if the Yang di-Pertuan Besar has the prerogative to revoke their appointments without the advice of the menteri besar.

The lawsuit challenges the decision by Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir to revoke their appointments, an order that took effect on Sept 20 and was formally gazetted on Sept 24.


The applicants comprise former councillors Faizal Ramli, Zaifulbahri Idris, Mustapha Nagoor, Siow Kong Choon, Siti Nur Umairah Hashim, Asna Amin, Razi Ali, Suhaimizan Bizar, Fairuz Isa, and Razali Abu Samah, FMT reported.

Through a notice of motion lodged on Oct 14, the group petitioned the apex court to rule on the constitutionality of their dismissal and declare the revocation null, void, and of no legal effect should it run counter to the state constitution.


The application names the Negeri Sembilan state secretary and the state government as the first and second respondents respectively.

Central to the dispute is the scope of royal discretionary powers. The applicants are seeking judicial determination on whether the phrase “at the ruler’s pleasure” in the state charter confers unbridled authority on the sovereign to dismiss executive councillors at will, irrespective of constitutional provisions requiring royal assent to align with the advice of the head of government.

Tuanku Muhriz previously stripped all ten executive council members of their posts for conduct the palace deemed treasonous to their oaths of office.


The palace acted after the councillors publicly endorsed a controversial declaration asserting that Tuanku Muhriz was legitimately dethroned in April and proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the state's rightful ruler.


The royal household held that backing a rival claimant to the throne was wholly incompatible with their sworn constitutional duty of allegiance to the reigning sovereign.

Perlis MB Abu Bakar stripped of party posts after Bersatu issues two-term suspension

Perlis MB Abu Bakar stripped of party posts after Bersatu issues two-term suspension



Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Hamzah speaks to the press at at Kompleks Seri Putra in Kangar on June 5, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has suspended Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah for two election terms due to breaches of the party's constitution and code of ethics.
• The suspension, effective from October 13, was confirmed by Perlis Bersatu state chairman Izizam Ibrahim following an internal disciplinary inquiry.
• Abu Bakar is stripped of all party positions and barred from making public statements on Bersatu's behalf.
• He has 14 days to contest the sanction with the Bersatu appeals board.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 10:58 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has suspended Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah for two terms, effective Oct 13.

Perlis Bersatu state chairman Izizam Ibrahim confirmed the punitive action today, acknowledging that the formal notification letter was served on Abu Bakar last week after an internal disciplinary inquiry, Berita Harian reported.


The confirmation comes after a copy of the confidential dismissal notice surfaced online and circulated aggressively across social media channels over the past 48 hours. Izizam moved quickly to dismiss rumours that he leaked the document to the public.

“Yes, it is true that the letter was issued last week, but I was not the one who circulated it. The menteri besar is also already aware of the suspension letter.


“For now, we are waiting for an official decision from the Bersatu central leadership as well as the PAS state assemblymen,” he said.

The letter, dated Oct 14, 2026, was signed by Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan. The notice formally conveyed the board’s decision to penalise Abu Bakar, who also serves as the party’s Kangar division chief.

According to the document, the board convened on Oct 13 and invoked Clause 22.5 of the Bersatu Constitution to freeze Abu Bakar’s membership rights across two successive party election terms. The sanction followed findings that he had breached Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution alongside the party’s statutory Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members.


With the disciplinary action in place, Abu Bakar has been immediately stripped of all internal party positions and barred from issuing public statements on behalf of Bersatu throughout his suspension.


The notice give the embattled menteri besar 14 days to contest the sanction and file a formal petition with the Bersatu appeals board.

Guan Eng warns of SME liquidity crisis over RM30b delayed tax refunds

Guan Eng warns of SME liquidity crisis over RM30b delayed tax refunds



People queue at the Inland Revenue Board payment counter at the Jalan Duta Government Complex in Kuala Lumpur on June 12, 2018. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng has called on the Malaysian federal government to hasten the repayment of RM29.919 billion in outstanding tax refund arrears, emphasizing the significant strain on corporate liquidity this delay poses, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• While acknowledging the reduction in tax refund liabilities, Lim criticized the remaining substantial amount owed to the private sector and proposed a RM10 billion cap to curb systemic delays.
• He highlighted the growing financial penalties due to refund delays and expressed concern over insufficient advocacy by public officials for quicker disbursement.

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 9:52 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng has urged the federal government to expedite the repayment of RM29.919 billion in tax refund arrears, warning that holding back businesses’ own money severely strains corporate liquidity, particularly among struggling small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Lim, who is the member of parliament for Bagan, pointed to the 2025 Federal Government Financial Statements, which show that outstanding tax refund liabilities decreased by RM3.425 billion, dropping from RM33.342 billion in 2024 to RM29.919 billion in 2025.

While acknowledging the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for whittling down the balance owed to firms that overpaid their taxes, Lim stressed that the outstanding sum remains colossal by any benchmark, especially since it belongs to the private sector.

“In 2026, RM9 billion was paid to 130,000 companies by Sept 30,” he noted, adding that the government must repay companies, especially the 1.2 million SMEs, more quickly.


To curb systemic delays, Lim proposed placing a strict RM10 billion cap on federal tax refund arrears. He argued that allowing the backlog to hover near RM30 billion inflicts undue financial hardship on cash-strapped businesses wrestling with deteriorating operating environments and a volatile global economic climate.

Historical data demonstrates a steady accumulation over recent years, Lim said. Outstanding tax refund commitments stood at RM21.836 billion in 2021, before climbing to RM25.721 billion in 2022 and RM25.511 billion in 2023.

The DAP lawmaker also took direct aim at public officials tasked with safeguarding small businesses, questioning why statutory agency leaders have failed to advocate forcefully for the immediate release of these funds.


“Failing to consistently and persistently press the government to return back to SMEs their own money, may give the unfortunate impression that those responsible and holding statutory positions are ‘sleeping on the job’.”


Lim also pointed out that statutory late-payment penalties have surged sharply as a consequence of refund delays. Under Section 111D of the Income Tax Act, the government is mandated to pay an annual 2 per cent compensation to taxpayers when IRB fails to disburse excess tax refunds within stipulated timeframes.

While IRB disbursed RM23.64 million under this mechanism in 2025, that penalty figure escalated by nearly fivefold in the first nine months of 2026 alone, hitting RM109 million as of Sept 30.