KUALA LUMPUR – SMTrack Bhd is offering a US$10,000 (RM41,843) reward for information on the “scandalmonger” who alleged the company’s involvement with the troubled radio frequency identification (RFID) project for the country’s toll plazas.
After issuing a denial on the matter yesterday, the Bursa Malaysia-listed company – which specialises in RFID technology – said the offer is open to any informant who can pinpoint the parties and individuals behind the “baseless” accusations that were sent to online media.
The company, in a statement, said the reward will be given to an informant with factual evidence that can be used in court.
It said the move was mooted by the group’s substantial shareholder, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, and supported by its independent non-executive director Datuk Saiful Nizam.
SMTrack Bhd’s deputy executive chairman Azmi Osman lamented the “fake news” phenomenon, which he said has affected the integrity of the country’s institutions in numerous fields, including health, science, the corporate sector, financial market, and political arena.
“We want to take concrete steps against ‘scandalmongers’ who hide behind the name of ‘sources’ and spread fake news and misinformation,” Azmi said.
“While we want to ensure that whistleblowers are protected, we need to make sure that they do not hurt institutions, corporates or individuals such as our independent director and substantial shareholder.”
Yesterday, Azmi issued a statement denying that SMTrack was involved in the project to date, after the matter went viral on social media recently.
“The political propaganda is irresponsible and SMTrack will take appropriate actions against baseless accusations to protect its integrity,” he said yesterday.
According to Bernama, Azmi also denied the appointment of the company’s independent non-executive director, Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff – who is the son-in-law of former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – was due to political connections.
Azmi added that Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew was not involved in any lobbying for any projects despite being a substantial shareholder.
On the reward for information, Azmi said the informant must provide factual evidence that is admissible in court.
He said the reward would also be given on a “first-come basis”, and that the funds would be shared equally if more than one informant comes forward.
Moreover, the company says it is committed to donating monetary compensation awarded by the court in relation to the “baseless” allegations against the company, independent non-executive director, and substantial shareholder.
“We will donate all the proceeds from the monetary compensation awarded by the court in the future in relation to these baseless allegations against SMTrack,” Azmi said.
“These donations will go to charities that focus on the rebuilding of the country, which is something we’re passionate about.” – The Vibes, January 31, 2022
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