KUALA LUMPUR: National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFCorp) executive chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail told the High Court here today, that he and his company suffered losses due to the failure of the National Feedlot Centre project in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, not the government.
Mohamad Salleh, 74, said this was because the monies from NFCorp were seized and the government suspended the project.
"I suffered losses, not you (the government). You froze and seized the monies and suspended the project. You did not build the abattoir.
"I had spent all my time to make the project a success. But after you seized the monies, the project could not proceed anymore," Mohamad Salleh said, adding that because of the losses incurred, he filed a counter claim of RM86 million against the government.
Mohamad Salleh was being cross-examined by senior federal counsel Asliza Ali, representing the government, at the hearing of the government's suit against NFCorp to recover RM253.6 million in loan repayment and interest from the company over the National Feedlot Centre project in Gemas.
Asliza: I put it to you that your contention on the losses of NFCorp is an allegation and not proven and supported by the documents represented in court?
Mohamad Salleh: It's not correct. We have all the evidence.
Mohamad Salleh, who is the husband of former Women, Family and Community Development Minister Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, denied that the company did not achieve the production target of 6,000 cattle slaughtered in 2010, according to the Auditor-General's report.
"The company managed to bring in more than 8,000 cattle from Darwin, Australia. However, the company did not meet the target of the cattle production since we did not have enough abattoirs to slaughter the cattle," he said.
Mohamad Salleh, who is the second defendant, said that out of the number (8,000), a total of 5,743 cattle were slaughtered from 2008 until the end of 2010 at the mini abattoir built by the company as the government did not provide such a facility.
"Based on the production target, we needed to slaughter 700 cattle per day, but the mini abattoir we built could only reach the rate of 30 cattle per day.
"No matter how many cattle we brought in, we still could not not meet the target due to the lack of abattoirs," he added.
In its suit, the government named the NFCorp as the first defendant, while Mohamad Salleh and their three children, Wan Shahinur Izran, Wan Shahinur Izmir and Wan Izzana Fatimah Zabedah, as the second to fifth defendants, respectively.
The government claimed that it had signed a loan agreement on a total of RM250 million with NFCorp on Dec 6, 2007, to finance the costs of establishing and operating the National Feedlot Centre in Gemas as part of its policy to develop and increase beef production.
The loan was disbursed in three tranches and Mohamad Salleh's family was claimed to have made 10 withdrawals amounting to RM18.51 million from Jan 24, 2008, to Jan 3, 2011.
The hearing before judge Anand Ponnudurai continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 09 2022
NFCorp executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail told the High Court today that he and his company suffered losses due to the failure of the National Feedlot Centre project in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, not the government. - BERNAMA/Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.