When used effectively, social media can be an invaluable tool and resource. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising to many when they noticed that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) was making procurement offers on social media.
However, this move was unusual for a government agency.
So, we had to ask: Are the procurement offers from MetMalaysia on social media genuine?
Verdict:
FALSE
MetMalaysia has denied claims that it has issued any applications or offers related to the procurement of work, supplies or services via social media.
MetMalaysia said it views the matter seriously after receiving complaints regarding scam attempts by individuals posing as department officials to offer non-existent procurement deals.
"The department has never issued any such applications or offers via social media apps, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, or via emails other than the department's official emails," it said in a statement on Tuesday (June 30).
MetMalaysia also lodged a police report regarding the matter and advised those who have fallen victim or received suspicious requests to immediately report the incident to the authorities to assist in investigations.
It stressed that all MetMalaysia procurement transactions are officially carried out only through the ePerolehan system in accordance with the government's procurement procedures and regulations in force.
"Members of the public, companies and suppliers are advised to always be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any offers or applications associated with MetMalaysia," it added.
