By Normimie Diun

KOTA KINABALU: Arm wrestling, a sport long embedded in Sabah’s cultural traditions, particularly during the annual Kaamatan Festival, has reached a new milestone after making its mark on the international stage through the hosting of a world-class tournament for the first time in Malaysia.

The two-day championship, held from June 20 to 21, 2026 at Palm Square, Centre Point, brought together two of the world’s most prestigious arm wrestling brands, King of the Table and East vs West, with Sabah becoming the first location in Malaysia to host the internationally acclaimed event.

Tournament organiser Michael Ford said the championship demonstrated that arm wrestling is no longer merely a traditional pastime associated with local cultural celebrations, but has evolved into a professional sport with a growing global following.

According to him, the event was organised in collaboration with Sabah Tourism as part of efforts to strengthen sports tourism and introduce Sabah to the international arm wrestling community.

“Many people know arm wrestling as a traditional sport commonly played during the Kaamatan Festival, but today we have successfully brought some of the world’s best athletes to Sabah.

“This is more than just a competition. It is a platform to show that Sabah is capable of hosting international-level sporting events,” he told Sabah Media during the tournament on Saturday.

The championship attracted competitors from Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, South Korea, China, Sweden, Russia and Peninsular Malaysia.

Some participants even travelled by road from Kuching to take part, highlighting the event’s strong appeal among athletes and enthusiasts.

Ford said the response exceeded expectations, with more than 200 athletes competing across various categories throughout the tournament.

In addition to the amateur division, the event featured women’s, Masters and professional categories, while the main attraction saw 24 elite athletes from across Asia and beyond competing in one-on-one super matches.

“What makes this event special is that many of the international competitors are national champions or among the top-ranked arm wrestlers in their respective countries. They came to Sabah to challenge the best athletes in the region,” he said.

Behind the success of the tournament, Ford himself is one of Sabah’s most accomplished arm wrestlers who has helped raise Malaysia’s profile on the international stage.

The 37-year-old athlete has been involved in arm wrestling for more than 15 years and has focused seriously on international competition over the past three years.

Among his greatest achievements was winning the prestigious Arnold Classic 2025 in the United States in the super heavyweight division. He also secured a major victory in Canada, further cementing his reputation in the sport.

As part of his efforts to promote Sabah arm wrestling globally, Ford has actively competed in international tournaments in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Türkiye.

He said the rapid growth of arm wrestling in recent years has been driven largely by social media, which has introduced the sport to millions of viewers around the world.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, arm wrestling had a relatively niche following. Today, the sport has grown significantly through major professional events held across different countries,” he said.

The presence of world-renowned Canadian arm wrestling legend Devon Larratt was another major highlight of the championship.

Ford noted that Larratt’s appearance generated a significant economic impact, with fans and participants travelling from overseas to Kota Kinabalu specifically for the event.

“We have seen hotels receiving bookings, local businesses benefiting and visitors coming to Sabah because of this tournament.

“This is the power of sports tourism. When a world-class event is hosted in Sabah, the benefits extend beyond sports and contribute directly to the local economy,” he said.

Ford hopes the tournament will become an annual fixture, with organisers targeting between 300 and 400 participants next year.

He believes a larger event in the future will strengthen Sabah’s position as a leading arm wrestling hub in Southeast Asia.

“We want Sabah to be known not only for its natural beauty, but also as a premier destination for international arm wrestling competitions.

“This is an important step in bringing a traditional sport that has been passed down through generations onto the world stage,” he said.

By Normimie Diun

KOTA KINABALU: World-renowned arm wrestling legend Devon Larratt believes young people will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport and has called on more Malaysian youths, particularly in Sabah, to embrace arm wrestling as a platform for developing discipline, mental resilience and positive community connections.

The former Canadian serviceman, who continues to compete at the highest level of the sport at the age of 51, said the rapid growth of arm wrestling worldwide demonstrates its immense potential to attract younger generations.

According to Larratt, youth participation in arm wrestling is not only about producing elite athletes but also about nurturing confident, healthy and resilient individuals.

“I see more and more young people getting involved in arm wrestling, and the sport is growing at an incredible pace. More youths should be given the opportunity to discover this sport through schools, clubs and consistently organised competitions.

“The more young people we can involve, the stronger the community becomes. Arm wrestling is not only about technique and physical strength; it also teaches friendship, respect and a strong sense of family,” he told Sabah Media during the East vs West International Arm Wrestling Championship at Palm Square, Centre Point, on Saturday.

Larratt, who was accompanied by his wife, Jodi Larratt, during their first visit to Sabah, also praised the warm hospitality of the local community and the enthusiasm displayed by Sabah’s arm wrestling athletes.

He said the sport’s development must begin at the grassroots level through the establishment of more clubs, training centres and structured youth development programmes.

“The most important thing is taking care of the community within the clubs. Create more activities, organise more competitions and encourage participation among school students.

“When more young people come together to train, they not only become better athletes but also build friendships that can last a lifetime,” he said.

Reflecting on his own journey in the sport, Larratt said he began arm wrestling at the age of four before entering competitive competition at 18.

He attributed his longevity in the sport, spanning more than three decades, to his passion for continuous learning and self-improvement.

“I have always believed that I can still get better. That has been my greatest motivation throughout my career.

“To young people, enjoy the sport and do not rush success. Set goals, be patient and see arm wrestling as something that can become a positive part of your life and bring many benefits,” he said.

Larratt also revealed that he still hopes to face Georgian world champion Levan Saginashvili once again, widely regarded as the best arm wrestler in the world today.

According to him, Levan has not only been the toughest opponent he has ever faced but also a major source of inspiration throughout his career.

“Levan changed my life. He raised the standard of this sport to a much higher level. I have immense respect for him and will continue chasing the benchmark he has set.

“If I were ever able to defeat him one day, it would be a very meaningful moment because he has inspired so much of my journey in this sport,” he said.

Larratt added that the healthy rivalry between elite competitors such as himself and Levan demonstrates that arm wrestling is far more than a contest of strength it is a pursuit of self-improvement and a challenge to push beyond one’s limits.

“Sport builds communities. It brings people together in a healthy and peaceful environment. Through arm wrestling, people gain strength, health, friendships and a sense of belonging.

“If the sport can provide those things to young people, then they are on the right path towards building a better future,” he said.

Larratt remains optimistic that arm wrestling will continue to grow significantly over the next decade, with youth participation serving as the primary driver of the sport’s global expansion.

He believes more countries will invest in arm wrestling development at school and community levels, creating greater opportunities for the next generation to elevate the sport to even greater heights in the years ahead.

KOTA KINABALU: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia has recognised the Sabah State Government’s commitment to strengthening child wellbeing through its adoption and implementation of recommendations outlined in the 2026 Sabah Child Wellbeing Index (SCWI) Report.

UNICEF Malaysia Representative Robert Gass said the integration of the report’s recommendations into the state’s development planning reflects a high level of accountability and transparency in ensuring that the welfare and future of children remain a priority.

The SCWI 2026 Report, launched jointly by UNICEF Malaysia and the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN Sabah), involved 4,441 children and their caregivers across the state through a two-phase study approach.

The first phase was conducted primarily using a random household sampling method, while the second phase employed purposive sampling through community-based outreach programmes.

Overall, the report presented encouraging findings, assessing child wellbeing across six key dimensions using the Alkire-Foster Method and Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA).

The six dimensions examined were health, growth and development, learning and education, opportunities for play and leisure, social relationships and participation, as well as safety and a harmonious living environment.

Among the key achievements highlighted in the report, 92.3 per cent of children in Sabah have access to healthcare services, while 95.6 per cent have access to mental health and wellbeing services.

The report also found that more than 99.3 per cent of children in Sabah are protected from child marriage.

However, the study identified several challenges requiring urgent attention, particularly those affecting stateless children and children and families without valid identification documents.

According to the report, these groups remain among the most vulnerable and consistently record lower wellbeing outcomes compared to children with complete legal documentation.

In response, UNICEF and the Sabah State Government have put forward a number of recommendations aimed at addressing these issues through a phased and sustained approach.

Meanwhile, UPEN Sabah has decided to incorporate the recommendations into the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development framework to ensure long-term benefits for both the state and its people.

The move is also in line with Malaysia’s commitment as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

In its report, UNICEF acknowledged that implementing the recommendations would present various challenges. Nevertheless, the organisation expressed confidence in the Sabah State Government’s ability to address these challenges progressively and consistently in the years ahead, for the benefit of all children in the state.

KOTA KINABALU: SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd has reaffirmed the importance of Sabah’s equity participation and ownership in PETRONAS Chemicals Fertilizer Sabah Sdn Bhd (PCFSSB), better known as the Sabah Ammonia Urea (SAMUR) project.

The Sabah State Government’s wholly-owned energy investment vehicle said the state, through SMJ Energy, holds a 25 per cent equity stake in SAMUR under a commercial collaboration agreement (CCA) with the national oil company.

According to the statement, Sabah has continued to receive consistent financial returns from its strategic equity participation in SAMUR since the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) on April 25, 2023.

It said dividends from the project are channelled directly into the state coffers through SMJ Energy for the benefit of Sabahans.

“To suggest that Sabah receives less than what is due from SAMUR is baseless as it disregards the State Government’s drive, favourable commercial terms and strategic decisions that successfully secured Sabah’s ownership in one of the region’s most important petrochemical assets,” the statement said.

SAMUR is currently recognised as the largest single-train granular fertiliser facility in Southeast Asia and the third-largest fertiliser plant in the Asia-Pacific region.

Built on Sabah soil and powered by Sabah gas, the project has positioned Sabah as an important player in the regional fertiliser and petrochemical industry.

SMJ Energy said the positive impact of SAMUR extends beyond the plant itself, with the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), where SAMUR serves as the anchor project, attracting substantial committed investments.

The development has also generated significant employment opportunities for Sabahans in engineering, logistics, infrastructure, housing, hospitality and technical services.

“These developments represent long-term, place-based growth that is increasingly being felt across communities in Sipitang and the broader region,” it said.

SMJ Energy also reaffirmed that the Sabah State Government will continue pursuing strategic investments and strengthening partnerships with PETRONAS and other industry players to ensure Sabah’s natural resources continue generating long-term value and sustainable economic benefits for the people of Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM), a wholly owned entity of the Sabah government, has transformed into a revenue-generating agency while reinforcing the state’s control and stewardship over its mineral resources.

To date, SMM has facilitated the issuance of several prospecting licences through what it described as strict and comprehensive due diligence processes.

The progress follows a series of institutional reforms introduced under SMM’s new leadership appointed by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, aimed at strengthening governance, improving transparency and accountability, enhancing regulatory consistency, and restoring public confidence in Sabah’s mineral sector.

As part of the reforms, SMM introduced new pre-qualification requirements for companies seeking prospecting licences.

Applicants are now required to undergo a rigorous due diligence process, with only companies demonstrating strong financial standing, proven technical expertise, and a clear commitment to Sabah participation allowed to proceed.

Comprehensive background checks are also conducted on companies, including their directors and shareholders, to ensure only credible and reputable partners with integrity are considered.

The reforms have already produced tangible outcomes, with SMM recording its first direct contribution of RM1 million to the Sabah government last year, alongside its highest net profit since the company was established in 2021.

Mineral prospecting, however, involves significant commercial risk and high operational costs borne entirely by applicants.

This includes geological surveys, environmental assessments, technical studies, and compliance obligations, which can amount to millions of ringgit without any guarantee of success.

From the state’s perspective, the prospecting phase represents a low-risk approach to developing Sabah’s mineral sector as all financial and operational risks are undertaken by applicants, while the state gains access to valuable geological and technical data.

SMM Chief Executive Officer Natasha Sim said only about 30 per cent of Sabah’s mineral deposits have been comprehensively mapped by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG).

She said incoming prospecting activities present an important opportunity for Sabah to expand its mineral database and improve understanding of the state’s resource potential.

Natasha said under the current development model overseen by SMM, the state bears no financial cost or liability during the prospecting phase while retaining full ownership of all mineral data generated.

She said this is particularly significant as much of the previous exploration work conducted by JMG did not place ownership of the data under the Sabah government.

“The current licensing process provides a strategic pathway for Sabah to reclaim ownership of its geological data, expand knowledge of its mineral potential, and systematically explore the remaining 70 per cent of land area where little or no information currently exists,” she said during a courtesy call by Sabah Publishing House deputy general manager Dexter Yeh at the SMM office in Plaza Shell.

She added that while the state does not bear costs during prospecting activities, Sabah becomes directly involved once mining activities commence.

“If and when a mining lease is approved, the state participates through royalties, fees, land-use payments and, in certain cases, equity participation.

“This ensures that the commercial benefits from resource extraction are channelled back to the people of Sabah, but only after all necessary safeguards, diligence processes and approvals have been completed,” she said.

By Normimie Diun

KOTA KINABALU: AuMAS Resources Berhad has announced the appointment of Chong Tzu Khen as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 May 2026.

Chong is no stranger to the company, having previously served as Executive Director on 26 May 2023 and later as CEO on 31 May 2023, before stepping down from both positions on 31 July 2025.

During his earlier tenure with AuMAS, he played a key role in the group’s financial management and operations, and also served as a director of Wullersdorf Resources Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

Under his leadership at Wullersdorf Resources Sdn. Bhd. (WRSB), Chong successfully orchestrated a financial turnaround. When he took over the management, the company recorded a loss of RM14.0 million in June 2023. Through his strategic planning and leadership in building a cohesive and committed team, he turned the company around to record a profit of RM1.0 million for the financial year ended 30 September 2023.

He continued to lead the company’s strong performance over the following two financial years, achieving profits after taxation of RM32.0 million and RM33.0 million for the financial years ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2025 respectively.

Under his management, AuMAS also declared and distributed dividends three times, totaling 4 sen per share to its shareholders, a milestone that had not been achieved prior to his leadership.

In terms of qualifications, Chong has a strong academic background in finance and aquaculture, holding a Master’s degree in Financial Planning from the University of the Sunshine Coast, as well as certificates in Sustainable Aquaculture from the University of St. Andrews.

He is also a Fellow of the Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries (MACS), reflecting his expertise in corporate governance and compliance.

Tracing his early career, Chong began as an Audit Assistant at P.L. Yap & Co. before joining Jetniyo Sdn. Bhd. as an Accounts Executive. In 1985, he established his own firm, T.K. Chong Commercial Services in Sandakan, providing accounting services to local companies.

He later joined Cepatwawasan Sdn. Bhd. in 1995 as Company Secretary and group accountant, before being promoted to Personal Assistant to the Managing Director from 2001 to 2004.

His reappointment as CEO is seen as a move to strengthen AuMAS’ strategic direction, particularly in advancing the company’s growth agenda and operational consolidation.

Chong said he remains committed to building a stronger, high-performing team to ensure sustainable business growth.

“My main focus is to empower every team member so they have clear direction, sound decision-making capabilities, and a shared drive for excellence.

“We will operate as one cohesive team that is supportive, principled, and ready to face industry challenges. With combined experience and commitment, I am confident we can take the company to greater heights,” he said when contacted by the media.

He also emphasised that strong teamwork and unwavering commitment remain the foundation of organisational success.

TAWAU: The High Court here today was told that 41 gold dore bars remain unaccounted for, according to testimony by the plaintiffs’ first witness, Chong Tzu Khen, in ongoing civil proceedings.

The proceedings involve two consolidated suits, namely Bahvest Resources Berhad and Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB) as plaintiffs against Datuk Lo Fui Ming and others as defendants, as well as a separate action by Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd (SGSB) against WRSB and Bahvest.

Testifying before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos, Chong said no gold dore bars reported as stolen have been recovered by the authorities to date.

He also clarified that no charges have been brought in relation to the missing gold bars, adding that a case previously referred to involved the removal of gold sludge, not gold dore bars.

During re-examination by plaintiffs’ counsel Norbert Yapp, the witness maintained that the 41 gold dore bars remain unaccounted for, while reiterating that no stolen bars had been recovered.

The court heard that discrepancies involving the 41 gold dore bars had been identified and are currently under internal review.

In his testimony, Chong said gold production and sales were subject to internal processes and regulatory reporting, including submissions to the relevant authorities for royalty assessment.

He added that his testimony was based on his knowledge as chief executive, including information obtained from internal staff and company records.

The witness concluded his testimony following re-examination, after which the court proceeded with the next witness.

Meanwhile, the court also heard testimony from the second plaintiff’s witness, Sim Kay Wah, a former independent non-executive director of Bahvest Resources Bhd, who said he was not involved in day-to-day operations or negotiations with Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd.

Sim gave evidence before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos and was examined by defence counsel Andy Tay.

He told the court his role was limited to board oversight, adding that he relied on information and representations from management and professional advisers.

According to Sim, a letter of demand dated May 2023 was raised during an emergency board meeting and subsequently handled by management and legal advisers.

He said the board had mandated negotiations up to RM15 million, while any actions taken thereafter were viewed as “damage control” rather than prior approval.

Sim agreed that announcements to Bursa Malaysia generally require board approval or at least no objection, but acknowledged that some announcements may have been made before full consensus was reached.

On the letter of consent (LOC), he said the document existed within company records but was not emphasised, adding that it had been disclosed in earlier corporate documents.

Under cross-examination, Sim acknowledged that he did not have direct evidence for certain matters and that parts of his testimony were based on information from management as well as his own observations.

He also confirmed that he was not involved in the original negotiations or execution of agreements, with a number of transactions concluded before his tenure.

His testimony also touched on the RM6 million payment to Southsea Gold, particularly on the scope of management’s mandate and actions taken prior to formal board approval.

The court later adjourned proceedings to the scheduled hearing dates from May 13 to 15, 2026.

TAWAU: The High Court here today continued hearing a civil trial involving Bahvest Resources Berhad and Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd as plaintiffs, and Datuk Lo Fui Ming, Lo Teck Yong, Chong Khing Chung, and Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd as defendants.

The proceedings before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos also involve a separate action filed by Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd against Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd and Bahvest Resources Berhad, which has been consolidated through a prior court order.

The court then proceeded with cross-examination of the plaintiffs’ witness, Chong Tzu Khen, by defence counsel Henry Lim.

In his testimony, Chong was questioned on related party transactions and confirmed that board and shareholder approvals are required under Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements before such transactions can be implemented.

He also agreed that failure to obtain prior approval could render such transactions non-compliant with Bursa regulations.

Chong further confirmed that he had instructed the issuance of letters to three independent non-executive directors in May 2023 concerning a temporary resolution, which included a warning of potential legal action if no response was received. However, he stated that the letters were not intended as threats and that no legal action was subsequently taken.

On board composition, Chong confirmed that Bahvest’s board comprised five members at the material time, including three independent directors and two executive directors, with the independent directors forming the majority in line with Bursa requirements.

He also confirmed that the independent directors later approved the temporary resolution during a board meeting in May 2023.

The proceedings further examined production records and gold dore invoices, where Chong agreed that differences existed in document formats and signatures. He confirmed that some invoices were signed by him while others were signed by Chong Khing Chung, with several documents admitted as defence exhibits after verification of their serial sequence.

He also referred to the company’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022, which recorded expenditures related to mining infrastructure and assets, and confirmed the documents were signed by Datuk Lo Fui Ming and Lo Teck Yong.

On land agreements, Chong maintained that the Letter of Consent (LOC) and the sublease agreement were interrelated and disagreed that the sublease superseded the LOC. He added that mining facilities evolved from temporary to permanent structures as operations progressed.

During re-examination by plaintiffs’ counsel Norbert Yapp, Chong explained that the term “back signed” referred to invoices that were reprinted and signed later for submission to authorities after original documents were unavailable following a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seizure. He confirmed the documents were used for royalty assessment purposes.

The hearing will continue tomorrow at 9am.

TAWAU: Allegations over an alleged discrepancy involving 41 gold dores took centre stage in the High Court here on Tuesday as the defence questioned the basis and reliability of the claim during ongoing trial proceedings involving Bahvest Resources Berhad and its subsidiary Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd.

The matter was heard before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos, with the plaintiffs’ key witness, Chong Tzu Khen, subjected to detailed cross-examination by defence counsel Henry Lim on how the conclusion relating to the alleged discrepancy was reached.

Chong told the court that the initial finding of a shortfall of 41 gold dores was derived from a comparison between production records and sales invoices.

He said the conclusion was first generated using the company’s SQL accounting system prior to any comprehensive internal investigation.

“A more detailed review was only carried out in 2024 with the involvement of additional personnel,” he said.

Under cross-examination, Chong agreed that the conclusion was based in part on internal analysis and assumptions, with not all production records independently verified.

He also agreed that certain production reports were regarded by him as “dubious” without external confirmation, although he maintained that sales invoices were more reliable and formed the basis of his assessment.

The court further heard that both production and sales processes would be relevant in assessing any discrepancy.

Chong confirmed that while production involved mining and processing activities, sales documentation, including invoices, was handled by the finance function.

He said Chong Khing Chung, who served as chief financial officer of Wullersdorf Resources, was responsible for sales documentation but did not oversee mining operations.

A key point raised by the defence was the absence of direct evidence linking any individual to the alleged discrepancy.

Chong agreed that there was no direct proof of payments received by Chong Khing Chung or any other party, nor evidence of personal benefit.

He further agreed that the conclusion was based on discrepancies in records rather than direct tracing.

The court was also told that documents were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on May 16, 2023, and only partially returned in 2025.

Despite investigations, no criminal charges have been brought to date and no convictions have been recorded.

A police report lodged in 2024 was initially classified as “No Further Action” (NFA) before being reopened in 2025.

The defence, Henry, further questioned the reliability of the data underpinning the claim, highlighting inconsistencies between production and sales records, the lack of independent verification, and reliance on selected documents.

Chong, however, maintained that sales records provided a more accurate reflection of actual transactions.

The cross-examination also touched on a related issue involving a Letter of Consent (LOC), where Chong agreed that a valuer’s report did not identify it as a condition precedent.

During the proceedings, the defence suggested that the alleged discrepancy was based on assumptions, incomplete datasets and interpretative analysis rather than conclusive forensic evidence.

The trial continues today.

TAWAU: Trial proceedings involving a dispute over interests and gold mining operations continued at the Tawau High Court on Monday (April 27) before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos, with focus on the cross-examination of a key witness and issues surrounding documents submitted late by the defence.

The proceedings involve two consolidated suits, namely Bahvest Resources Berhad and Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB) as plaintiffs against Datuk Lo Fui Ming and others as defendants, as well as a separate action by Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd (SGSB) against WRSB and Bahvest.

Datuk Lo Fui Ming was present throughout the proceedings.

The hearing saw the continuation of the trial with the cross-examination of the first plaintiff’s witness (PW1), Chong Tzu Khen, conducted by counsel Henry Lim together with Chia Kho Yee of Messrs Lawrence Chai, Peter Soong&Partners, representing the third defendant.

The plaintiffs are represented by Norbert Yapp of Messrs Norbert Yapp & Associates together with Azimi Yahya, while the first, second and fourth defendants are represented by Andy Tay of Messrs Andy Tay & Associates.

The court first addressed the issue of additional documents filed by the defence under Enclosure 186, which was objected to by the plaintiffs on the grounds that the documents were produced late despite having existed earlier, thereby causing prejudice as the witness had no opportunity to respond.

The court ruled to reject and expunge several documents, including Items 1 to 5 as well as Items 14, 15, 16 and 22, and disallowed documents created after November 24, 2025. The remaining documents were admitted and marked as CBOD Part C under Enclosure 186.

During cross-examination, the witness confirmed that Chong Khing Chung is not a director of Bahvest but is a director of WRSB, and does not hold shares in SGSB.

A central issue in the trial concerns the rights over approximately 150 acres of land adjacent to the mining operations, with the witness maintaining that such rights derive from a Letter of Consent (LOC) dated 2015 as well as an easement agreement.

However, the witness acknowledged that an easement confers only a right of way and not full usage of the land, including for the construction of facilities such as a factory, crusher and workers’ quarters, which forms part of the dispute as to whether WRSB had the legal right to utilise the land for its operations.

The court also heard testimony on the requirements for disclosure of related party transactions to Bursa Malaysia, with the witness maintaining that disclosure is only required upon finalisation of a transaction, while disagreeing with the proposition that preliminary discussions do not require any announcement.

Thresholds of approximately 2.5 per cent for public disclosure and five per cent for shareholder approval were also raised in assessing whether certain transactions ought to have been disclosed.

Some of the admitted documents relate to gold production and royalty records, which the defence contends demonstrate that the allegedly missing gold had in fact been sold, with the witness’s testimony considered crucial in determining the validity of such claims.

The court further examined four letters between SGSB and WRSB covering the period from 2020 to 2022, with the witness acknowledging their existence but alleging that they were backdated, raising questions as to whether they triggered payment obligations and disclosure requirements to Bursa Malaysia.

The witness also agreed that agreements not reduced into writing generally lack legal effect, but disputed whether prolonged conduct and dealings between the parties could amount to a binding understanding.

The trial continues today.