GCH retail refutes using illicit proceeds as payment

KUALA LUMPUR: GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (GCH) today refuted the suggestion that they had used illicit proceeds as payment to Lee Ming Chai, a company director who has been charged with money laundering as reported in a Bernama news report on Nov 13.
"We wish to emphasize that the contents of the said article relating to GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd are inaccurate and we are not in fact involved in any illicit payments nor are we a named party in any of the proceedings.
"The payments referred to was in fact rental dues for one of our supermarket outlets. These were in fulfillment of our obligations as stipulated in the Tenancy Agreement that was executed between GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Tampin Theme Park Sdn Bhd, and in accordance with all the relevant laws, rules and regulations," the company said in a statement, here.
GCH said it was committed to participating in efforts to counter money laundering and illegal financing activities and as such, would provide any assistance to the police in their investigation, where necessary.
A subsidiary of Dairy Farm International, GCH is the operator of Giant hypermarkets and supermarkets chain; Cold Storage, Mercato and Jasons Food Hall premium grocery stores. — Bernama