Smm Claims Jet Photo Re Emergence Tied To Legal Retaliation Campaign

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Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has denied any wrongdoing after a photo surfaced showing its top executives boarding a private jet allegedly owned by an Indonesian coal magnate.
ADSIn a statement today, the state-owned company described the media reports that followed as “false, misleading and defamatory”.
It said an internal inquiry concluded in February had found no conflict of interest, personal gain, or undue influence in relation to the incident.
SMM also clarified that it is not a licensing authority and that its CEO does not have the power to grant or approve any licences.
The company believes the re-emergence of the August 2024 photo may be politically motivated, given its ongoing lawsuit against former CEO Jontih Enggihon and businessperson Albert Tei.
“The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny and may be part of a broader campaign to damage the company and its officers,” SMM added.
Last week, a photo of SMM CEO Natasha Sim, company secretary Emily Chong, and Sabah timber tycoon Elbert Lim standing next to the jet went viral.
This led to several Sabah politicians questioning the purpose of the trip and whether it involved corruption or a conflict of interest.
“What is the special relationship between Sim, Lim, and the Indonesian tycoon that warranted a private jet flight costing hundreds of thousands of ringgit?
“This activity represents a serious conflict of interest and contains clear elements of corruption and misconduct,” said Warisan’s Tanjong assemblyperson Justin Wong.
March 2023 first visit
SMM explained that its first working visit with a prospective Indonesian investor took place in March 2023, initiated by Jontih, who was then CEO.
Jontih had cited the Indonesian company’s “exemplary mining industry practices” and formally recommended a partnership to the SMM board.
ADSThe board then approved the partnership in February 2024 and appointed Sim, as the company’s chief strategy officer at the time, as lead liaison to facilitate discussions on foreign direct investment.
The photo with the private jet was taken during a subsequent visit in August 2024 as part of the ongoing engagement on foreign direct investment, SMM said.
Previously, following SMM’s lawsuit against him, Jontih had lodged a police report against Sim, accusing her of accepting a jet trip without disclosing it to SMM’s management or board.
Former SMM CEO Jontih EnggihonHe claimed the trip is estimated to cost RM400,000 and allegedly involved Sim, her husband, Lim, and Lim’s two children.
Legal action possible
SMM reiterated that Sim and Chong had cooperated with MACC’s investigations after the issue was highlighted in the media, and have submitted detailed statements and documentary evidence about the trip.
It warned the media, politicians, and the public to exercise restraint and to verify facts before repeating potentially defamatory claims about the issue.
“Should these baseless accusations continue to be circulated, SMM will not hesitate to initiate legal action against any party - including media outlets, public figures, or individuals - for defamation and malicious falsehood,” it said. - Mkini

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