JOHOR BAHRU: A syndicate processing and selling ketum that has been in operation for five years and led by a former civil servant, has been busted following a raid around here on Dec 22.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the mastermind, aged 35, was arrested along with his wife, 36, who did the accounts, and two male workers in an operation conducted between 2.45 am and 6 pm.
Their arrests were the result of investigations into a lorry driver arrested on Dec 21 at the Simpang Renggam rest area, on suspicions of delivering 700 kilogrammes (kg) of ketum. The driver also tested positive for methamphetamine.
"The syndicate rented a factory in Kempas for around RM1,000 a month and turned it into a ketum processing and packaging centre.
"They have been raking in around profits of RM120,000 to RM200,000 a month from the sale of ketum leaves and water. They are believed to have obtained their supply from the north smuggled in fruit trucks," he told reporters at a media conference here today.
Ayob Khan said processing and selling ketum had gained popularity recently due to its high market price and demand, with current prices for ketum leaves being RM35 to RM80 a kg, while a 1.5 litre bottle of ketum water is priced between RM13 and RM25.
He said the former civil servant, his wife and one of the male workers also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Ayob Khan said 75.55 kg of ketum leaves, 60 bottles of ketum water and processing equipment worth a total of RM1,655 were also seized during the raid.
He added that the four had been remanded for five days starting Dec 22 under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952.
Ayob Khan also said that the police had subsequently arrested eight male civil servants, aged 25 to 39, around the district and Kulai to determine if they were conspiring with the syndicate's mastermind or involved in the use of ketum.
"We will conduct drug tests and investigate whether they were aiding the syndicate to conduct its activities without disruption from the authorities," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Dec 27 2021
A syndicate processing and selling ketum that has been in operation for five years and led by a former civil servant, has been busted following a raid around here on Dec 22, said Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. - Astro AWANI
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.