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

KUALA LUMPUR, September 11 — The Kuala Lumpur Department of Environment (DOE) has discovered numerous attempts by unscrupulous individuals to commit fraud by using the department’s name. Director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab revealed that as of today, eight instances have been detected involving government procurement order scams, resulting in losses exceeding RM200,000 for two suppliers.

She stated that the DOE first detected the scam on September 4 when a representative from a diving equipment supplier sought verification of the authenticity of government procurement documents. Prior to this, the DOE had received several inquiries about these documents starting in mid-August, and on Tuesday, September 8, from a supplier company representative who inquired about a souvenir order worth over RM100,000 allegedly made by the DOE for an upcoming program.

Upon investigation, the DOE found that no souvenir orders or program bookings had been made by the department. Instead, the orders were made using forged documents that exploited officers' names, along with fake letterheads and management signatures. Suppliers claimed they had transferred more than RM100,000 to certain parties as an advance payment for the souvenirs.

The DOE has urged the suppliers to file a police report regarding the scam. The DOE also lodged a police report on Wednesday, denying any involvement of its officers in the incident, and reports were also made to the DOE Headquarters Finance Division. However, inquiries regarding the fake procurement orders have continued to be received by the DOE department.

Sharifah Zakiah emphasized that the department has referred these cases further to the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department. She advised all suppliers and contractors to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any government procurement documents they receive.