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Wan Azizah: Only one minor detained under POCA

Feb 01, 2019

The government has denied that dozens of minors are being detained without trial under the Prevention of Crime Act, POCA. 

The Deputy Prime Minister says based on checks by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, only one minor is currently under POCA detention.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says the minor was placed under POCA detention for two years for armed robbery.

She stressed that she disagrees with such detentions, and will push for POCA to be reviewed, that that it's only used on offenders aged 18 and above. 

Dr Wan Azizah was commenting on claims by Suhakam and Suaram that 142 children were locked up under the preventative law.

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Don't worry about SVDP notifications from IRB

There's no need to worry, if you've received an email or letter from the Inland Revenue Board about the Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme.

The Board says it merely sent out the letters to remind errant taxpayers about the programme, which was introduced under Budget 2019. 

Under the programme, taxpayers who voluntarily disclose their income and make full tax payment by March 31st, will only face a 10 to 15 per cent penalty on the tax that they have to pay.

If your taxes are in order, you can simply ignore the emails and letters.

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MOE urges public to be wary of scammers

The Education Ministry is warning people to betware of scammers, who are using its name to make a quick buck. 

It says, it's received word of individuals posing as senior ministry officials, who approach their victims, offering them non-existant projects. 

The Ministry says, all its projects are now offered via open tender through the ePerolehan system. 

Anyone approached by such individuals should lodge a report with the police.

Separately, the Education Ministry has assured that all Malaysian students affected by the severe cold spell in the US are safe. 

It adds, it will continue to keep a close eye on the kids, and it advised them to keep warm and cover up. 

More than a dozen deaths have been reported in the US midwest, as temperatures hit a bone-chilling minus 49 degrees celcius.