NEWS IN BRIEF: AUG 4, 2021

The VEHICLE THEFT REDUCTION COUNCIL OF MALAYSIA (VTREC) has warned the public on the rise of frauds and scams involving motor vehicles.

VTREC said the country would see a big spike in auto fraud and scams, and that Malaysians could lose much more to auto frauds and scams this year than in 2020.

"A VTREC assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on auto frauds and scams has shown a significant increase in the first six months of 2021, with 669 cases recorded on second-hand vehicles along with RM7.5 million losses. The whole year of 2020 recorded 707 cases with losses of RM5.7 million," said VTREC coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid in a statement.

-- BERNAMA

CISCO, the worldwide technology leader, has appointed Hana Raja as managing director for its Malaysia business as the company seeks to focus on accelerating the digital transformation of customers across the country and to work closely with Cisco’s partner ecosystem.

Cisco said Hana has12 years of experience in strategic planning, business management and leadership roles across various sectors.

"Most recently, she led Cisco’s strategy and operations for ASEAN in the past two years, and has played a key role in driving the company's growth across the region," it said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA

GOVICLE SDN BHD, a leading technology company that promotes smart mobility initiatives, has partnered with Finology Sdn Bhd to provide over 500,000 users in the JomParking application with hassle-free insurance and road tax renewal services.

In a statement today, Govicle said motorists can avoid the traditional hassle of long lines and dealing with multiple insurance agents whilst enjoying value-added services including remote and cashless transactions and complimentary delivery service, among others.

The company said the collaboration is poised to capitalise on significant growth opportunities by embracing digital solutions and promoting smart consumer choices.

-- BERNAMA

PRIVASIA TECHNOLOGY BHD's wholly-owned subsidiary Privasia Sdn Bhd (PSB) has accepted a RM6.17 million contract from Redberry Contact Centre Sdn Bhd (Redberry) to supply technology and management services to Redberry Contact Center Sdn Bhd’s call centre operations.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Privasia said the contract duration was for a period of one year and not subject to renewal.

The contract is expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets of Privasia for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2021 and beyond.

-- BERNAMA

KAMDAR GROUP (M) BHD said it has decided to close its Puchong branch at The Verva, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Selangor, as the tenancy had expired on July 31, 2021, and that it has decided not to renew it.

Kamdar also told the stock exchange it has moved its Kota Kinabalu branch to smaller premises at the Borneo Hypermall.