GEORGE TOWN, May 8 — Penang state exco Datuk Rashidi Zinol has denied any misappropriation following claims by fishing equipment shop operators that they had not received payments under a RM500,000 fishermen voucher programme.

The Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman said there were issues with payments involving various agencies, namely the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), the State Economic Planning Division (BPEN) and several state financial agencies.

“Checks found there were documentation issues as some company documents were incomplete, which delayed the payment process to the eight companies involved,” he explained during a press conference today.

He said six of the eight companies had submitted complete documents and would be eligible for payment first.

“The remaining two companies have yet to complete their documents and we have informed them to do so,” he said.

He was commenting on a police report lodged by fishing equipment shop operators today claiming they had not received payments from the fishermen voucher programme, which is under the state exco office.

According to Rashidi, the funds from LKIM had been returned to the State Economic Planning Division before the repayment process was reorganised according to procedure.

“If there was misappropriation, the money would not have been easily returned,” he said.

He said it was clear that this was a technical and documentation issue.

Rashidi also denied allegations that BPEN had not responded to enquiries from the companies involved, explaining that the review and payment process was being coordinated in stages.

“We are now expediting the process and payments will be channelled by next week at the latest once all documents are finalised,” he said.

He reminded the affected companies to submit completed documents to receive the payments.

“Payment will be made next week,” he asaid.

He said it was the companies’ right to lodge police reports on the issue to seek clarification.

“If they want to lodge a police report, go ahead, we have no problem because we are confident there was no misappropriation. Let the police investigate,” he said.

SIBU, May 7 — A routine evening prayer preparation turned tragic when a Form Four student was killed and another seriously injured after they were believed to have been electrocuted at a secondary school in Daro, Mukah Division, last night.

Matu Daro district police chief DSP Rahim Mihos said police received information from the school at about 8 pm regarding the incident involving three students at the school’s ablution area.

He said the 16-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical officer.

“Another victim, aged 15 and a Form Three student, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Daro Hospital before being referred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sibu Hospital for further treatment,” he said in a statement today.

Rahim said another 15-year-old male student who was also at the scene did not suffer any injuries. 

He said the victim’s body was taken to Daro Hospital for further action and the case is still under investigation. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 — The outcome of applications for admission into public universities (UA), public higher education institutions (IPTA) and the MARA Higher Education Division (MARA BPT) for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders will be announced on May 22, said the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

It said the results for certificate, foundation and diploma-level admissions for the 2026/2027 Academic Session can be checked from 12 noon on that date until 5pm on May 31, 2026.

The results can be checked online via https://upu.mohe.gov.my or the UPUPocket mobile application on smartphones or through the MyGov mobile application.

“Offers for places for the 2026/2027 Academic Session are final, and any application to change study programmes at UA, IPTA and MARA BPT will not be allowed,” MOHE said in a statement today.

“Acceptance of offers is open from May 23 to 31, 2026, via the websites of the UA, IPTA and MARA BPT, while official offer letters will be issued to successful applicants beginning May 23 after candidates confirm acceptance within the stipulated period,” it said.

The ministry said only unsuccessful applicants or those offered certificate-level programmes may submit appeals through UPU Online within 10 days, from 12 noon on May 22 until 5pm on May 31.

It added that appeals to community colleges may be submitted directly to the respective institutions without going through UPUOnline.

“The appeal selection policy is subject to the availability of places offered under the respective study programmes after the registration of new students has been completed,” it said. — Bernama