KUCHING: Fraudulent local purchase orders (LPOs) bearing the name and particulars of the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry have supposedly been found to be circulated by irresponsible parties.
Is this true?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The state ministry cautioned the public not to entertain any request for supply of goods and services or payment based on the unauthorised documents, which it did not issue.
"All suppliers, contractors, service providers and members of the public are strongly advised to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any LPO purportedly issued by the ministry before accepting any order, supplying goods or services or processing any payment," it said in a statement on Friday (July 17).
The ministry said legal action will be taken against any individual or party found to be involved in creating, using or distributing the fraudulent documents, adding that the matter had been referred to the relevant enforcement authorities for investigation.
It also urged anyone who receives a suspicious LPO to contact the ministry for verification and lodge a police report.
"The ministry remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of government procurement processes and appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of all suppliers, business partners and members of the public in preventing fraudulent activities," it said.
