SMTrack offers US$10k reward for info into baseless accusations

ACE MARKET-listed radio frequency identification (RFID) specialist SMTrack Bhd has embarked on proactive measures to identify the “scandalmonger” involved in the spread of baseless accusations against the company in relation to implementation of the RFID project at toll plazas in Peninsular Malaysia.

The group has set aside a US$10,000 (RM41,900) offer to any informant who possesses evidence of the individuals or parties responsible in the spread of the baseless accusations against the company on social media.

Azmi Osman

“We want to take concrete steps against ‘scandalmonger’ who hide behind the name of ‘sources’ and spread fake news and misinformation,” an irate SMTrack deputy executive chairman Azmi Osman pointed out in a media statement.

“Over the last few years, we have seen how propaganda and fake news are being spread online to hurt the integrity of our institutions whether related to health, science, corporates, financial market or politics.”

Yesterday (Jan 30), Azmi has clarified that SMTrack is not involved in the RFID project involving toll plazas across Malaysia. In fact, the current RFID system which is implemented by expressway concessionaire Plus Malaysia Bhd at 83 toll plazas along the North-South Expressway (NSE) is supplied by Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd (TnG).

In recent times, there have been hiccups under the RFID system that came into effect on Jan 17 at toll plazas between Juru and Skudai on the NSE. As a result, there had been severe traffic congestion as many motorists could not make their toll payments via the system.

Azmi further reiterated that such baseless accusations have severely scarred the integrity of the capital market, the company and its stakeholders.

“The US$10,000 reward is aimed to heal the scar of our collective conscience from the spread of fake news and misinformation,” he stressed. “The informant needs to provide factual evidence that could be used in court to implicate the individuals or parties involved in spreading these baseless allegations.’

Aside from that, SMTrack said the US$10,000 reward will be given based on a “first-come basis”. Only one US$10,000 reward would be paid out, hence the reward would be shared on an equal basis if there is more than one informant.

Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew

Moreover, Azmi said SMTrack is committed to donating any monetary compensation awarded by the court pertaining to the baseless allegations against the company, its independent non-executive director (Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff) and substantial shareholder (Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew).

“We will donate all the proceeds from the monetary compensation awarded by the court in the future,” pledged Azmi. “Our donation will go to charities that focus on the re-building the country which is something we’re passionate about.”

Those with information can contact SMTrack’s administration manager Sazini Abdullah at 019-607 8127 or e-mail [email protected].

At the close of today’s half-day trading, SMTrack was unchanged at 16 sen with 48.56 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM109 mil. – Jan 31, 2021

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