KL DOE warns of fake procurement scams after two suppliers lose more than RM200,000

Kuala Lumpur Department of Environment (DOE) Director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab has reported that irresponsible parties are exploiting the department's name for fraudulent activities. In the past month, eight cases of government procurement order scams have been detected, resulting in a combined loss of more than RM200,000 for two suppliers. The scam was first discovered on September 4 when a representative of a diving equipment supplier visited the DOE to confirm the legitimacy of government procurement documents.

Prior to this, KL DOE had received multiple inquiries about the same documents from August to mid-September. On the 8th of September, another supplier representative sought clarification about a souvenir order exceeding RM100,000 that DOE allegedly placed for an upcoming event. DOE's investigations revealed that such orders and bookings never took place, with forged documents and forged signatures used to defraud the suppliers.

The suppliers claim to have transferred over RM100,000 to unknown parties as advance payment for the souvenirs. KL DOE has urged the suppliers to report the scams to the police and lodged a police report denying any involvement of DOE officers in the incident.

Despite these warnings, the department continues to receive inquiries regarding the fake procurement orders. Yesterday and today, a supplier experienced a loss of more than RM100,000, leading DOE to refer the case to the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman. Sharifah Zakiah has advised all suppliers and contractors to remain vigilant and thoroughly verify the authenticity of any government procurement documents they receive.