KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department has warned the public not to be deceived by any offers of supply contracts, especially direct procurement contracts using its name.
In a statement, it said that it has received 38 complaints from the public regarding scam cases using the name of the department since January, involving 13 cases from Sabah, seven from Johor, five from Terengganu, three from Labuan, Pahang and Selangor and a case each from Melaka, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
"Reported cases include the offer of supply tenders such as cooked food, raw materials, vehicle tyres and engine oil, as well as the issuance of fake food order letters, using the name of the fire station chief or state fire director.
"The Fire and Rescue Department acknowledges the cases of scammers using its name, as reported by the media, and has handed the matter over to the police for further investigation," the department said.
The department said that all procurements worth RM50,000 and below must go through the government's eProcurement price invitation system.
"Direct negotiations worth RM50,000 and above must be approved by the Finance Ministry without involving third parties or any advance payments."
The department also advised victims involved in the scam cases to lodge police reports for further investigation.
As a precautionary measure, anyone contacted by individuals making various offers using the department's name should refer to any state fire headquarters or relevant fire stations for verification before taking any action, it said.