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*MALAYSIA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES COMMISSION ACT 2007 is Malaysia Act, cited as Act 665 2007, currently marked in force and first recorded in 2007.
Opening note
Part I
Short title and commencement
This Act comes into operation on a date to be appointed by the
Minister by notification in the Gazette and the Minister may appoint different dates for the coming into operation of different provisions of this Act.
Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
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“Bank Negara Malaysia” means the Central Bank of Malaysia established under the *Central Bank of Malaysia Act 1958 [Act 519];
“security” includes a mortgage or charge, whether legal or equitable, debenture, bill of exchange, promissory note, guarantee, lien or pledge, whether actual or constructive, letter of hypothecation, indemnity, undertaking or other means of securing payment or discharge of debt or liability, whether present or future, or whether vested or contingent;
“specified”, where no mode is mentioned, means specified from time to time in writing;
“prescribed”, where no mode is mentioned, means prescribed from time to time by order published in the Gazette;
“document” has the same meaning as defined under section 3 of the
Evidence Act 1950 [Act 56];
“property” means any movable or immovable property and includes—
any right, interest, title, claim, chose in action, power or privilege, whether present or future, or whether vested or contingent, in relation to any property, or which is otherwise of value;
any conveyance executed for conveying, assigning, appointing, surrendering, or otherwise transferring or disposing of property where the person executing the conveyance is the proprietor or possessor, or wherein he is entitled to a contingent right, either for the whole or part of the interest;
*NOTE─The Central Bank of Malaysia Act 1958 [Act 519] has been repealed by the Central Bank of
Malaysia Act 2009 [Act 701] which comes into operation on 25 November 2009–see section 100 of
Act 701.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 9
any security, including any stock, share, debenture, bonds, loan stocks, transferable subscription rights or warrants;
any negotiable instrument, including any bank note, bearer note, Treasury bill, dividend warrant, bill of exchange, promissory note, cheque and negotiable certificate of deposit;
any mortgage or charge, whether legal or equitable, guarantee, lien or pledge, whether actual or constructive, letter of hypothecation or trust receipt, indemnity, undertaking or other means of securing payment or discharge of a debt or liability, whether present or future, or whether vested or contingent; and
any other tangible or intangible property;
“honorarium” means a portion of the audited net profit of the
Commission distributed among some or all of the members of the
Board in consideration of their services which would not otherwise be remunerated;
“credit facility” means—
the giving of any advance, loan, trade credit or other facility in whatever form or by whatever name called whereby the person to whom the advance, loan, trade credit or other facility is given has access, directly or indirectly, to the funds or property of the person giving the same;
the giving of a guarantee or the provision of any security in relation to the obligations of any person; or
any other like dealing or transaction as may be prescribed by the Commission;
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“Chief Executive Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer of the
Commission appointed under section 11A;
“co-operative society” has the same meaning as defined under section 2 of the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 [Act 502];
“Board” means the board of directors of the Commission;
“Syariah Advisory Council” means the Syariah Advisory Council established under section 51 of the *Central Bank of Malaysia Act 1958 [Act 519];
“Minister” means the Minister charged with the responsibility for co-operative development;
“Islamic financing” means the giving of any credit facility in accordance with the Syariah as may be approved by the Syariah
Advisory Council and includes any other like dealing or transaction as may be prescribed under section 63;
“director” means a member of the Board;
“Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board appointed under paragraph 11(3)(a);
“related corporation” means a subsidiary or associate corporation of a co-operative society or an associate corporation of a subsidiary or subsidiaries of a co-operative society;
“return” includes any form of rental, profit, dividend or benefit, including any fee or gift, payable or to be given in relation to any
Islamic financing instrument;
“securities” has the same meaning as defined under section 2 of the
Securities Commission Act 1993 [Act 498];
*NOTE─The Central Bank of Malaysia Act 1958 [Act 519] has been repealed by the Central Bank of
Malaysia Act 2009 [Act 701] which comes into operation on 25 November 2009–see section 100 of
Act 701.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 11
“subsidiary” has the same meaning as assigned to it under section 5
of the *Companies Act 1965 [Act 125];
“Commission” means the Malaysia Co-operative Societies
Commission established under section 3;
“share” has the same meaning as defined under section 4 of the
Companies Act 1965 or section 2 of the Co-operative Societies Act 1993, as the case may be;
“appointed date” means the date on which this Act comes into operation;
“Deputy Chief Executive Officer” means the Deputy Chief
Executive Officer appointed under section 11A.
Part II
Chapter
Establishment of the Commission
The Commission shall have perpetual succession and a common seal, and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
The Commission, subject to and for the purposes of this Act, upon such terms as it deems fit, may—
enter into contracts;
*NOTE─The Companies Act 1965 [Act 125] has been repealed by the Companies Act 2016
[Act 777] which comes into operation on 31 January 2017–see subsection 620(1) of Act 777.
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acquire, purchase, take, hold and enjoy movable and immovable property of every description; and
sell, convey, assign, surrender, yield up, charge, mortgage, demise, reassign, transfer, lease, let, sub-let or otherwise dispose of, or deal with any movable or immovable property or any interest vested in the Commission.
Objects of the Commission
The objects of the Commission are to—
foster sound and orderly development of co-operative societies and the co-operative sector in accordance with co-operative values and principles to contribute towards achieving the socio-economic objectives of the nation;
promote a financially sound, progressive and resilient co-operative sector; and
the Registrar-General of Co-operative Societies for
Malaysia under the Co-operative Societies Act 1993;
the Registrar of Fishermen’s Associations under the
Fishermen’s Associations Act 1971 [Act 44]; and
the Registrar of Farmers’ Organizations under the Farmers’
Organization Act 1973 [Act 109],
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 13
(hereinafter in this section, the persons mentioned in paragraphs (b),
and (d) collectively referred to as “the transferor”) relating to co-operative societies and as specified by the Minister in such order shall, by virtue of this Act, be transferred to and vested in the
Commission without any conveyance, assignment or transfer.
Every power, function and duty of the transferor shall, by virtue of this Act, be transferred to and vest in the Commission.
Every property vested by virtue of subsection (1) in the
Commission shall be so vested in the Commission for the like title, estate or interest and on the like tenure as the property was vested or held immediately before the vesting date.
Every chose in action, right or liability vested by virtue of subsection (1) in the Commission may, on and after the vesting date, be sued on, recovered or enforced by the Commission in its own name and it shall not be necessary for the Commission, the
Government of Malaysia or the transferor to give notice—
to the person whose right or liability is affected by, the vesting effected under subsection (1).
Any pending legal proceedings by or against the Government of Malaysia or the transferor which relates to any property, right or liability transferred to and vested in the Commission by virtue of subsection (1) may, on and after the vesting date, be continued by or against the Commission:
Provided that nothing in subsection 61(1) shall apply to the disclosure by the Commission of any record, book, register, correspondence, other document whatsoever, material or information, relating to the business and affairs of the Commission to the
Government of Malaysia in relation to this subsection.
In the case of rights and liabilities arising under any loan which are vested in the Commission on the vesting date, the
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Commission may enter into such agreements or arrangements over such rights and liabilities with the Government of Malaysia or any other person.
On and after the vesting date, any agreement, deed or other arrangement relating to any property, right and liability transferred to and vested in the Commission under subsection (1) to which the
Government of Malaysia or the transferor was a party immediately before the vesting date, whether in writing or not, and whether or not of such a nature that rights and liabilities under the agreement, deed or other arrangement, as the case may be, could be assigned by the
Government of Malaysia or the transferor shall have effect as if the
Commission had been a party to such agreement, deed or other arrangement.
Common seal
Until a seal is provided by the Commission, a stamp bearing the words “Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission” may be used and shall be deemed to be the common seal of the Commission.
The common seal shall be used with the authority of the Board and every instrument to which the common seal is affixed shall be signed by the Chairman or any director and shall be counter signed by the secretary or by a second director or by some other person as may be authorised by the Board and all deeds, documents and other instruments purporting to be sealed with the common seal, authenticated as aforesaid, shall, until the contrary is proven, be deemed to have been validly executed:
Provided that any document or instrument which, if executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required to be under seal, may in like manner be executed by the Commission, and any such document or instrument may be executed on behalf of the
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 15
Commission by any officer or employee of the Commission generally or specifically authorised by the Board on that behalf.
The common seal shall be kept in the custody of the secretary or such other person as may be authorised by the Board.
The common seal of the Commission shall be officially and judicially noticed.
Power to appoint Attorney
The Commission may, by instrument under its common seal, appoint a person whether in Malaysia or in a place outside Malaysia to be its Attorney, and the person so appointed may, subject to the instrument, do any act or execute any power or function which he is authorized by the instrument to do or execute.
Power to establish office and subsidiary and to appoint agents
The Commission may establish, within Malaysia, a subsidiary subject to the prior written approval of the Minister, and where the
Minister so provides in the terms and conditions of the approval, such subsidiary shall have immunity of the Commission as provided in section 60 in carrying out the powers, duties or functions on behalf of the Commission.
The Commission may appoint and employ agents to manage, administer, transact any business or to do any act required to be transacted or done in the execution of its functions or for the better carrying into effect the purposes of this Act, the Co-operative
Societies Act 1993 and any other written law enforced by the
Commission.
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Appointment of person other than officer or employee
The Commission may, either generally or in any particular case, appoint any person who is not an officer or employee of the
Commission to render such service as it may specify in the exercise of its powers, the performance of its functions, or the discharge of its duties under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 and any other written law enforced by the Commission, or to exercise, perform or discharge the same on behalf of and in the name of the
Commission.
Commission may establish committee
The Commission may appoint any person to be a member of any committee established under subsection (1).
A committee may elect any of its members to be chairman and may regulate its own procedure and, in the exercise of its powers under this subsection, such committee shall be subject to and act in accordance with any direction given to the committee by the
Commission.
Meetings of a committee shall be held at such times and places as the chairman of the committee may determine.
A committee may invite any person to attend any meeting of the committee for the purpose of advising it on any matter under discussion but the person so invited shall not be entitled to vote.
The members of a committee or any person invited to attend any meeting of the committee may be paid such allowances and other expenses as the Commission may determine.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 17
Section 15 shall apply to a member of a committee appointed under this section in the same manner as it applies to a director of the
Board.
Chapter
Duties and composition
The Board shall consist of the following directors:
a Chairman appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the advice of the Minister;
the Secretary General or a Deputy Secretary General of the
Ministry charged with the responsibility for co-operative development as nominated by the Minister;
the Secretary General of Treasury or a Deputy Secretary
General of Treasury or any representative of the Ministry of
Finance;
a Secretary General or a Deputy Secretary General of a ministry as appointed by the Minister;
the Governor, or a Deputy Governor or an Assistant
Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia as nominated by the
Governor;
six persons appointed by the Minister, at least two of whom shall be persons of standing and experience in the co-operative movement.
The Chairman shall be appointed on such terms and conditions as may be provided for in his letter of appointment.
(Deleted by Act A1694).
Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Chief Executive
Officers shall devote the whole of his professional time to the service of the Commission and while holding office shall not occupy any other office or employment whether remunerated or not.
Notwithstanding subsection (2) and any other provision in this
Act, the Chief Executive Officer or the Deputy Chief Executive
Officers may be appointed by any written law or constitution or statute or with the approval of the Minister to exercise such powers, discharge such duties, and perform such functions under any written law, and to be conferred with such title of office as may be set out in such written law.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 19
Power and duty of Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer shall act under the general authority and directions of the Board which shall be consistent with this Act.
The Chief Executive Officer shall not decide on matters pertaining to policy and the strategic direction of the Commission without the approval of the Board.
The Chief Executive Officer shall—
be responsible for the overall administration and management of the functions, activities and day-to-day affairs of the Commission in accordance with the policy laid down by the Commission;
exercise supervision and control over all officers and employees of the Commission; and
perform such other duties and undertake such other responsibilities as the Board may determine or direct from time to time.
The Chief Executive Officer shall exercise reasonable care, skill, diligence and proper judgment in exercising his duties under this Act.
The Chief Executive Officer is deemed to have exercised proper judgment referred to in subsection (5) if he—
does not have a material personal interest in the subject matter of the judgment;
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is informed about the subject matter of the judgment to the extent he reasonably believes to be appropriate under the circumstances; and
reasonably believes that the judgment is in the best interest of the Government and the Commission.
The Chief Executive Officer shall perform such other duties as the Board may direct from time to time.
Temporary exercise of the functions of Chief Executive Officer
the Chief Executive Officer is, for any other reason, unable to perform his functions.
In the event that the office of the Chief Executive Officer is vacant for more than six months, the Minister shall appoint another person to be the Chief Executive Officer, and upon such appointment, the previous Chief Executive Officer shall cease to hold office.
Secretary to the Board
Executive Officer to act as the Chief Executive Officer for the period when—
The secretary shall be responsible for—
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 21
the general conduct, administration and management of the functions and activities of the Commission; and
The secretary shall perform such further duties as the Chief
Executive Officer and the Commission may direct from time to time.
In discharging his duties the secretary shall act under the general authority and directions of the Chief Executive Officer and the Commission.
The Commission may appoint such number of officers and employees of the Commission as may be necessary to assist the secretary in discharging its functions effectively and efficiently and for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.
By-laws of Board
the functions, powers, duties, remuneration, allowance, honorarium, benefits and terms and conditions of service, code of conduct of or surcharge on officers, employees, agents and consultants of the Commission;
the conflicts of interest in respect of directors, officers and employees of the Commission;
the appointment, terms of reference and activities of agents, consultants or committees established by the Commission;
such other matters as may be required to be provided for under by-laws in this Act.
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By-laws made under this section shall be binding on all persons to whom the by-laws apply and no person shall be convicted of an offence under this Act, unless the by-laws were given on him or he knew, or avoided getting to know, of the giving thereof.
Tenure of office
The directors who hold appointment as members of the Board in accordance with paragraphs 11(3)(b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be ex-officio members.
Subject to such conditions as may be specified in his instrument of appointment, the tenure of office of a director other than those provided in subsections (1) and (2) shall be for a term not exceeding three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.
Resignation
A director appointed under paragraphs 11(3)(a), (f) and (g) may at any time resign his office by a written notice addressed to the
Minister.
Disqualification and termination of director
The Minister may at any time revoke the appointment of any director without giving any reason therefor.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 23
Actions and proceedings of Board not affected by vacancy, etc.
The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy and its proceedings shall not be invalidated by—
any defect afterwards discovered in the appointment or qualification of any director or the constitution of the
Board;
any omission, defect or irregularity in the convening or conduct of a meeting; or
the presence or participation of a person who is not a director.
Allowance or honorarium
All directors may be paid such allowance or honorarium as the
Minister may determine.
Duties of director
A director or any person who has been a director shall not—
make improper use of any information acquired by virtue of his position as a director to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for himself or for any other person; or
do, say or publish anything which may be detrimental to the interests of the Commission.
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Meeting
The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be five, at least two of whom shall be directors referred to in paragraphs 11(3)(b), (c),
The Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman any director nominated by the Chairman to act on his behalf, shall preside at all meetings of the Board.
The decision of the Board shall be adopted by a simple majority of the votes of the directors present and voting.
A resolution in writing, signed by all the directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the Board, shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly convened and held and any such resolution may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more directors.
Nothing in this section shall prevent the Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman any director nominated by the Chairman to act on his behalf, from authorizing a director to use remote communication technology to participate in any meeting of the Board where, prior to the meeting, the director, by notification to the
Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman any director nominated by the Chairman to act on his behalf, as the case may be, has requested for such authorization.
and (7), nominate the director who is appointed under paragraph 11(3)(b), (c), (d) or (e) to act on his behalf.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 25
For the purposes of subsection (7), “remote communication technology” means a live video link, a live television link or any other electronic means of communication.
Board may invite others to meeting
The person so invited to attend any meeting of the Board may be paid such allowances and other expenses as the Commission may determine.
Disclosure of interest
A disclosure under subsection (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board or committee, as the case may be, and after the disclosure, the director or member of the committee shall—
not take part nor be present in any deliberation or decision of the Board or committee, as the case may be; and
be disregarded for the purpose of constituting a quorum of the Board or committee, as the case may be, relating to the matter.
No act or proceedings of the Board or committee shall be invalidated on the ground that any director or any member of the committee has contravened the provisions of this section.
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Minutes of meeting
Any minutes of meetings of the Board or any committee established under section 10, if duly signed, shall, in any legal proceedings, be admissible as prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein and every meeting of the Board or committee in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been so made shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all members thereat to have been duly qualified to act.
Part III
Powers and functions of the Commission
The Commission shall have all powers, functions and duties imposed on it under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Commission shall also have the following functions:
to be responsible for the surveillance, supervision and regulation of co-operative societies and the co-operative sector;
to encourage and promote sound and orderly development of co-operative societies and the co-operative sector;
to create a conducive environment for co-operative societies to carry out their activities;
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 27
to act as trustee and to manage any scheme of Islamic financing or credit facility set up by the Government of
Malaysia for co-operative societies;
to advise the Minister on all matters relating to co-operative societies and the co-operative sector; and
to carry out any function under any written law as may be prescribed by the Minister by notification published in the
Gazette.
Delegation of Commission’s power or function
Any power or function delegated under this section—
may be so delegated subject to such conditions or restrictions as the Commission may either generally or specifically impose; and
shall be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer or committee in the name and on behalf of the Commission.
A delegation under this section shall not preclude the
Commission from performing or exercising at any time any of the powers or functions so delegated.
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The Chief Executive Officer may authorize or instruct any officer or employee of the Commission to exercise any of the powers or perform any of the functions delegated to the Chief Executive
Officer under subsection (1).
Power of the Minister to give directive and require information
The Commission shall furnish the Minister with such returns, statistics, accounts, documentation or information with respect to the performance of any of its functions or exercising of its duties under this Act as the Minister may require.
Power to consult the Syariah Advisory Council
Where in any proceedings relating to co-operative business which is based on Syariah and is supervised and regulated by the
Commission before any court or arbitrator, any question arises concerning a Syariah matter, the court or the arbitrator, as the case may be, may—
take into consideration any written directive issued by the
Commission pursuant to subsection (1); or
refer such question to the Syariah Advisory Council for its ruling.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 29
Any ruling made by the Syariah Advisory Council pursuant to a reference made under paragraph (2)(b) shall, for the purposes of the proceedings in respect of which the reference was made—
if the reference was made by a court, be taken into consideration by the court in arriving at its decision; and
Part IV
Officer and employee of the Commission
Every such person who opts under subsection (1) to serve as an officer or employee of the Commission shall be employed by the
Commission on terms and conditions of service not less favourable from the terms and conditions of service to which he was entitled immediately before the appointed date.
Officers and employees of the Commission shall hold office for such period, receive such salaries, allowances or benefits, and be subject to such terms and conditions of service as may be determined by the Commission.
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The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, out of the funds of the Commission establish and maintain a pension and provident fund for its officers, employees and their dependents.
Where officers or employees of the Commission have been seconded or transferred to the service of the Commission from, or have previously been in the service of the Federal or a State
Government or other public authority approved by the Board, the appointments of those officers or employees shall, subject to any
Federal or State law, be made in accordance with such arrangements as to pensions and allowance for previous service as the Board may determine.
The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, out of the funds of the Commission, create and maintain a trust account to be called “The Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission Staff
Welfare Account” for the benefit of its officers, employees, including their dependants.
The Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission Staff
Welfare Account shall be utilized for such purposes conducive to the welfare of the officers and employees of the Commission, including their dependants, as may from time to time be provided in trust directives to be issued by the Board with the approval of the Minister, and such directives may provide for the manner and the procedure for the making of the grants, loans or other payments from such Account.
Financial assistance to officer, employee and other persons
The Commission may provide—
subsidy, grant, Islamic financing or credit facility, with or without return or interest, to its officers and employees; or
Islamic financing or credit facility, with or without return or interest, for educational purposes or scholarships to its officers and employees or any other persons, on such terms and conditions as the Commission may determine.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 31
Application of Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge)
Act 2000
Without prejudice to anything contained in the Statutory
Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000, an officer or employee of the Commission shall, at all times, act in good faith and comply with such functions and duties as may be provided in the by-laws issued by the Board under paragraph 12(1)(a).
Continuation and completion of disciplinary proceedings
An order, ruling or direction made or given by a disciplinary authority of the Commission pursuant to this section shall, in respect of such officer or employee, have the same force and effect as an order, ruling or direction made or given by the Disciplinary
Authority, Disciplinary Board or Disciplinary Appeal Board, as the case may be, under the laws referred to in subsection (1).
Subsection 61(1) shall not apply to the disclosure by the
Commission of any record, book, register, correspondence, document whatsoever, material or information, relating to the business and affairs of the Commission required by the Government of Malaysia pursuant to this section.
The Minister may by order make such modifications to the laws referred to in subsection (1) in their application to such officer or employee as may be necessary for the purpose of removing difficulties as a consequence of the provisions of that subsection.
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Part V
Capital
Fifty million ringgit of the authorized capital shall be subscribed and paid up by the Government on the establishment of the Commission.
The paid-up portion of the authorized capital may be increased by such amount as the Minister may approve from time to time and the Government shall subscribe and pay the amount of the increase to the Commission:
Provided that the payment of the increase in capital may be made by way of transfer from the General Reserve Fund as the Minister may from time to time approve.
General Reserve Fund
At the end of each financial year, the net profit of the
Commission for that year shall be determined after allowing for the expenses of operation and after provision has been made for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contributions to staff and pension funds and such other contingencies as are usually provided for by the Commission.
The net profit of the Commission shall be placed to the credit of the General Reserve Fund.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 33
Annual Government grant
The Government shall annually grant a sum of money to the
Commission for the purpose of meeting the cost of operation of the
Commission.
Operating fund
The operating fund shall consist of all moneys—
received by the Commission for services rendered by the
Commission to the Government or for services rendered by the Commission to any person;
derived from the disposal, lease or hire of, or any other dealing with any property vested in or acquired by the
Commission;
which may in any manner become payable to or vested in the Commission in respect of any matter incidental to its functions and powers or otherwise lawfully received by the
Commission.
The operating fund shall be utilized for the purpose of—
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the remuneration of, or the granting of Islamic financing, credit facility, superannuation allowances or gratuities to the directors, officers, employees or other persons employed or appointed by the
Commission; or
paying any other expenses, costs or expenditure properly incurred or accepted by the Commission in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers or duties under this Act;
providing grants for the development of co-operative societies under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission;
repaying any money borrowed under this Act and the payment of any return or interest payable thereon;
purchasing or hiring equipment, machinery and any other materials, acquiring immovable property and erecting buildings, and carrying out any other works and undertakings in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers or duties under this Act;
generally, paying any expenses for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.
The Commission shall manage the operating fund with prudence and due care.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 35
Power to borrow or raise fund
The Commission may, from time to time, with the prior written approval of the Minister and the Minister of Finance, raise funds as follows:
borrow money from the Government, agencies of the
Government or any other person; or
issue bonds, debentures, debenture stocks or such other securities, in such manner as the Commission thinks fit or upon such terms and conditions as it deems expedient for meeting any of its obligations or performing any of its functions, powers or duties under this Act.
Power to lend
In the exercise of its powers and functions under this Act, the
Commission may provide Islamic financing or credit facility to any person on such terms and conditions as it deems fit with the approval of the Minister and the Minister of Finance.
Investment
The moneys of the Commission including the money in the operating fund or any money held by the Commission pursuant to section 41, may, in so far as they are not required to be expended or utilized by the Commission under this Act, be invested in such manner as the Commission deems fit with the approval of the
Minister and the Minister of Finance.
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Requirements to keep book, record, account, etc.
The Commission shall cause proper books, records and accounts to be kept and shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, cause to be prepared for that financial year a statement of account of the Commission which shall include a balance sheet and account of income and expenditure.
Reporting requirement
a copy of its statement of accounts certified by the Auditor
General and a copy of the Auditor General’s report; and
an annual report on the working of the Commission under this Act during the financial year.
The Minister shall, as soon as may be, table a copy of the statement of accounts certified by the Auditor General, a copy of the
Auditor General’s report and the annual report before the Dewan
Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
The Statutory Bodies (Accounts and Annual Reports) Act 1980
[Act 240] shall apply to the Commission subject to the provisions of this Act.
Financial year
Unless otherwise directed by the Minister, the financial year of the Commission shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December of each year.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 37
Chapter
Maintenance of fund and account
The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister pursuant to this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law, operate, manage and maintain any fund in furtherance of its objects.
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The Commission shall hold and administer the following:
such other funds as the Commission may set up with the approval of the Minister.
The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Commission, by order published in the Gazette, vary, delete, add to, substitute for or otherwise amend subsection (3) and upon publication of such order, subsection (3), as varied, deleted, added to, substituted for or otherwise amended, shall come into full force and effect and shall be deemed to be an integral part of this Act as from the date of such publication or from such later date as may be specified in the order.
The Commission shall disclose the working of the funds under subsection (3) in its annual report under paragraph 39(1)(b).
Central Liquidity Fund
Any co-operative society required by the Commission to contribute to the Central Liquidity Fund under subsection (1) shall pay to the Commission or to its agent as specified in the order such amount of contribution or such rate of contribution as a percentage of its share capital, subscription capital, assets or liabilities or a
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 39
combination thereof as may be determined by the Commission from time to time not later than such date as may be specified in the order.
The Commission may, with prior written approval of the
Minister, make regulations on the scope, operation and management of the Central Liquidity Fund.
Co-operative Deposit Account
The Commission may, with prior written approval of the
Minister, make regulations on the scope, operation and management of the Co-operative Deposit Account.
Part VI
Application of this Part
This Part shall apply to offences committed by any person under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993, any other written law enforced by the Commission, regulations, orders and directives made under these Acts or such written law.
Appointment, power, function and duty of investigating officer
Subject to subsection (3), an investigating officer appointed under subsection (1) shall have all the powers, functions and duties conferred on an investigating officer under this Act, and where such investigating officer is not an officer or employee of the Commission, he shall, in relation to such powers, functions and duties—
enjoy such rights, privileges, protections, immunities and indemnities as may be specified in, the provisions of this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission applicable to an officer or employee of the Commission as if he were an officer or employee of the Commission.
An investigating officer shall be subject to the direction and control of the Chief Executive Officer or of such other officer as may be authorized by the Chief Executive Officer to act on behalf of him or of any other investigating officer or officers superior in rank, and shall exercise his powers, perform his functions and discharge his duties referred to in subsection (2) in compliance with such directions, instructions, conditions, restrictions or limitations as the
Chief Executive Officer or of such other officer as may be authorized by the Chief Executive Officer to act on behalf of him or an investigating officer or officer superior in rank, may specify orally or in writing, either generally, or in any particular case or circumstance.
The Chief Executive Officer or any officer, employee or any person authorized by the Chief Executive Officer to act on behalf of him shall have all the powers, functions and duties of an investigating officer.
An investigating officer conducting any inquiry of any person under section 66 of the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 shall have the power to administer an oath or affirmation to the person who is being examined.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 41
Powers of entry, search and seizure
enter any premises and there search for, seize and detain any property, book or other document;
inspect, make copies of, or take extracts from, any book or other document so seized and detained;
take possession of, and remove from the premises, any property, book or other document so seized and detained;
search any person who is in, or on, such premises, and for the purpose of such search detain such person and remove him to such place as may be necessary to facilitate such search, and seize and detain any property, book or other document found on such person;
An investigating officer may if it is necessary so to do—
remove by force any obstruction to such entry, search, inspection, seizure, detention or removal as he is empowered to effect; or
42
detain all or any person found on any premise, or in any conveyance, searched under subsection (1) until such premises or conveyance have been searched.
A list of all things seized in the course of a search made under this section and of the premises in which they are respectively found shall be prepared by the investigating officer conducting the search and signed by him.
The occupant of the premises entered under subsection (1) or any person on his behalf shall in every instance be permitted to attend during the search, and a copy of the list prepared and signed under this section shall be delivered to such occupant or person at his request.
An investigating officer shall, unless otherwise ordered by any court—
with the prior written consent of the Chief Executive Officer or any investigating officer superior to him in rank, at any time before the close of investigations, release any property, book or other document seized, detained or removed by him or any other investigating officer, to such person as he determines to be lawfully entitled to the property, book or other document if he is satisfied that it is not required for the purpose of any prosecution or proceedings under this Act, the Co-operative
Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the
Commission, or for the purpose of any prosecution under any other written law.
A record in writing shall be made by the investigating officer effecting any release of any property, book or other document under subsection (5) in respect of such release specifying therein in detail the circumstances of, and the reason for, such release.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 43
Where the investigating officer is unable to determine the person who is lawfully entitled to the property, book or other document or where there is more than one claimant to such property, book or other document, the investigating officer shall report the matter to a Magistrate who shall then deal with the property, book or other document as provided for in subsections 413(2), (3) and (4), sections 414, 415 and 416 of the Criminal Procedure Code [Act 593]:
Provided that where the property is land, the Magistrate shall deal with the issue of possession of the property.
Search of person
An investigating officer making a search of a person under subsection (1) may seize, detain or take possession of any property, book, document or article, found upon such person for the purpose of the investigation being carried out by him.
No female person shall be searched under this section and section 46 except by another female.
Obstruction to exercise of power by investigating officer
No person shall—
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refuse any investigating officer exercising his powers under section 46 or 47, access to any premises or part thereof, or fail to submit to the search of his person;
assault, obstruct, hinder or delay such investigating officer in effecting any entrance which he is entitled to effect;
fail to comply with any lawful demand of any investigating officer in the execution of his duties under section 46 or 47;
refuse to give to an investigating officer any information which may reasonably be required of him and which he has it in his power to give;
fail to produce to, or conceal or attempt to conceal from, an investigating officer, any property, book, other document or article in relation to which the investigating officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence has been or is being committed under this Act, the Co-operative
Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the
Commission;
furnish to an investigating officer as true, information which he knows or has reason to believe to be false; or
before or after any seizure, break or otherwise destroy anything to prevent the seizure thereof, or the securing of the same.
Requirement to provide translation
No person shall knowingly furnish a translation under subsection (1) which is not an accurate, faithful and true translation, or knowingly make a translation under that subsection which is not accurate, faithful and true.
Where the person required to furnish a translation under subsection (1) is not the person who is suspected to have committed the offence under investigation, the Commission shall pay to him reasonable fees for the translation.
Power to examine person
order any person in writing to attend before him for the purpose of being examined by the investigating officer in relation to any matter which may, in the opinion of the investigating officer, assist in the investigation into the offence;
order any person in writing to produce before the investigating officer books, other documents, properties, articles or things which may, in the opinion of the investigating officer, assist in the investigation into the offence; or
by written notice require any person to furnish a statement in writing made on oath or affirmation setting out therein all
46
such information which may be required under the notice, being information which, in the opinion of the investigating officer, would be of assistance in the investigation into the offence.
A person to whom an order under paragraph (1)(a) or (b), or a written notice under paragraph (1)(c) has been given shall comply with the terms of such order or written notice, as the case may be, and in particular—
a person to whom an order under paragraph (1)(a) has been given shall attend in accordance with the terms of the order to be examined, and shall continue to so attend from day to day as directed by the investigating officer until the examination is completed, and shall during such examination disclose all information which is within his knowledge, or which is available to him, or which is capable of being obtained by him, in respect of the matter in relation to which he is being examined, whether or not any question is put to him with regard thereto, and where any question is put to him he shall answer the same truthfully and to the best of his knowledge and belief, and shall not refuse to answer any question on the ground that it tends to incriminate him or his spouse, as the case may be;
shall not conceal, hide, destroy, alter, remove from or send out of Malaysia, or deal with, expend, or dispose of, any book, other document, property, article or thing specified in the order, or alter or deface any entry in any such book or other document, or cause the same to be done, or assist or conspire to do the same; and
a person to whom a written notice has been given under subsection (1)(c) shall, in his statement made on oath or affirmation, furnish and disclose truthfully all information required under the notice which is within his knowledge, or which is available to him, or which is capable of being obtained by him, and shall not fail to furnish or disclose the
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 47
same on the ground that it tends to incriminate him or his spouse, as the case may be.
A person to whom an order or a notice is given under subsection (1) shall comply with such notice or order and with the provisions of subsection (2) in relation thereto, notwithstanding the provisions of any written law, whether enacted before or after the commencement of this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission, or of any oath, undertaking or requirement of secrecy, or of any obligation under any contract, agreement or arrangement, whether express or implied, to the contrary.
Where any person discloses any information or produces any property, book, document, article, or thing pursuant to subsections (1)
and (2), neither the first mentioned person, nor any other person on whose behalf or direction or as whose agent or employee, the first mentioned person may be acting, shall, on account of such disclosure or production, be liable to any prosecution for any offence under or by virtue of any law, or to any proceeding or claim in any form or of any description by any person under or by virtue of any agreement or arrangement, or otherwise howsoever.
An investigating officer may seize, take possession of and retain for such duration as he deems necessary, any property, book, document, article or thing produced before him in the course of an investigation under subsection (1), or search the person who is being examined by him under paragraph (1)(a) or who is producing anything to him under paragraph (1)(b), for ascertaining whether anything relevant to the investigation is concealed, or otherwise, upon such person.
An examination under paragraph (1)(a) shall be reduced into writing by the investigating officer and shall be read to and signed by the person being examined, and where such person refuses to sign the record, the investigating officer shall endorse thereon under his hand the fact of such refusal and the reasons therefore, if any, stated by the person examined.
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The record of an examination under paragraph (1)(a), or a written statement on oath or affirmation made pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), or any property, book, document, article or thing produced under paragraph (1)(b) or otherwise in the course of an examination under paragraph (1)(a) or under a written statement on oath or affirmation made pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), shall, notwithstanding any written law or rule of law to the contrary, be admissible in evidence in any proceedings in any court—
for, or in relation to, an offence under this Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission;
for, or in relation to, any other matter under this Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission; or
for, or in relation to, any offence under any other written law, regardless whether such proceedings are against the person who was examined, or who produced the property, book, document, article or thing, or who made the written statement on oath or affirmation, or against any other person.
Specific person in respect of whom power of investigation may be exercised
any spouse, or any lineal ascendant or descendant, of a person referred to in paragraph (h);
“business associate” of a person includes—
a banker, accountant, auditor, advocate, nominee or other person employed or appointed by such person at any time before or after the effective date;
any body corporate or unincorporate of which such person is a director, and any other director of such body corporate or unincorporate;
any director of such body corporate;
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any business associate of such associate or related corporation as is referred to in subparagraph (ii);
any person having any knowledge or information relating to the business, dealings, affairs or property of such person;
and
Without prejudice to the generality of other powers of investigation conferred on an investigating officer under this Part, such powers may be exercised by him against any—
past or present business associate;
person who is or was a member or who has or had made a deposit with, or who is or was a creditor;
person who is or was concerned with the control or management, in whole or in part of the affairs of the co-operative society; or
person who has or had an interest in the shares, or otherwise has or had an interest in the property, of the person suspected to have committed an offence under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993
or any other written law enforced by the
Commission;
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 51
any business associate or relative of a person referred to in paragraph (a); or
any body corporate or unincorporate in which any person referred to in paragraph (a) is a director or officer or, where such body is a body corporate, has an interest in the shares of the body corporate.
Assistance to police, public officer, etc.
The Commission may at its own initiative, or on the request of a police officer, public officer, authority or person having power to investigate under, or enforce the provision of any law—
a copy of any book or other document seized, detained or taken possession of under section 46 or 47;
any written statement on oath or affirmation made under paragraph 50(1)(c); or
any book or other document produced under paragraph 50(1)(b) or otherwise in the course of any examination under paragraph 50(1)(a), and such police officer, public officer, authority or person having power to investigate under, or enforce the provision of such law, may make such use of such copy of such record, statement, book or other document as may be necessary or expedient in relation to the exercise of his powers, the performance of his functions, or the discharge of his duties, in respect of any person; or
allow a police officer, public officer, authority or person having power to investigate under, or enforce the provision
52
of such law, to have access to and inspect any property, book, document, article or thing which had been produced before, or seized, detained or taken possession of, by an investigating officer under this Part, and such police officer, public officer, authority or person having power to investigate under, or enforce the provision of such law, may make such use of any knowledge gained by such access or inspection as may be necessary or expedient in relation to the exercise of his powers, the performance of his functions, or the discharge of his duties, in respect of any person.
Joinder of offences
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other written law, where a person is accused of more than one offence under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission, he may be charged with and tried at one trial for any number of such offences committed within the space of any length of time.
Offence to be seizable offence
Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission shall be a seizable offence, and a police officer not below the rank of Inspector, or an investigating officer appointed under subsection 45(1) may arrest without warrant any person whom he reasonably suspects to have committed or to be committing any such offence.
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 53
Part VII
Specific offence
Any person who fails to comply with the requirements under section 48 or subsections 49(1), 49(2) or 50(2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one million ringgit or to imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both and shall in addition, be liable to a daily fine not exceeding ten thousand ringgit for every day the offence continues.
Power of Commission to compound offence
Any money paid to the Commission pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) shall be paid into and form part of the operating fund of the Commission.
An offer under subsection (1) may be made at any time after the offence has been committed but before any prosecution for it has been instituted, and where the amount specified in the offer is not paid within the time specified in the offer, or any extension of it
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which the Commission may grant, prosecution for the offence may be instituted at any time thereafter against the person to whom the offer was made.
Where an offence has been compounded under subsection (1), no prosecution shall thereafter be instituted in respect of such offence against the person to whom the offer to compound was made, subject to subsection 62(1).
Duty of investigating officer to make over arrested person to police
An investigating officer appointed under subsection 45(1)
making an arrest under section 54 shall without unnecessary delay make over the person so arrested to the nearest police officer or, in the absence of a police officer, take such person to the nearest police station, and thereafter the person arrested as aforesaid shall be dealt with as provided by the law relating to criminal procedure for the time being in force as if he had been arrested by a police officer.
Public servant
All directors, members of a committee of the Commission, officers or employees of the Commission or investigating officers while discharging their duties as such a director, member, officer, employee or investigating officer shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of the Penal Code [Act 574].
Public Authorities Protection Act 1948
The Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 [Act 198] shall apply to any action, suit, prosecution or proceedings against the Commission, officers, employees or agents of the Commission in respect of any act, neglect or default done or committed by him in such capacity or in the capacity of the officers or employees as described in the laws specified in the Co-operative Societies Act 1993.
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Immunity
any director, officer or employee of any such Government or of the Commission, either personally or in his official capacity; or
any person lawfully acting on behalf of any such
Government, Commission, officer or employee, either personally or in his capacity as a person acting on such behalf, for or on account of, or in respect of, any act done or statement made or omitted to be done or made, or purporting to be done or made or omitted to be done or made, in pursuance or in execution of, or intended pursuance or execution of, this Act, the Co-operative
Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the
Commission, or any order in writing, direction, instruction, notice or other thing whatsoever issued under this Act, the Co-operative
Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the
Commission:
Provided that such act or such statement was done or made, or was omitted to be done or made, in good faith.
For the purposes of this section—
any member of the administration of the Government of
Malaysia or a State Government shall be deemed to be an officer of the respective Government; and
the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy
Chief Executive Officer, director, member of a committee
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of the Commission, officer, employee or any person appointed by the Commission pursuant to section 9, subsections 8(2) and 10(2) and paragraph 69A (2)(a) of the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993 and any liquidator appointed under section 74 of the Co-operative Societies
Act 1993, shall be deemed to be an officer of the
Commission.
In subsection (2) “member of the administration” has the same meaning as assigned to it in Article 160(2) of the
Federal Constitution.
Preservation of secrecy
under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission, regulations, orders, directives or guidelines issued under this Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission;
for the performance of his duties or the exercise of his functions under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission, regulations, orders, directives or guidelines issued under this
Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission 57
Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993 or any other written law enforced by the Commission.
This section shall not apply to any document, material or information which at the time of the disclosure is, or has already been made, lawfully available to the public from any source or to information which is in the form of a summary or collection of information relating to a particular co-operative society, its members or depositors is not explicitly stated.
No person who has any document, material or information which to his knowledge has been disclosed in contravention of subsection (1) shall in any manner however disclose the same to any other person.
Where the Commission in the course of the exercise of any of its powers, or the discharge of any of its duties or functions, under this Act, the Co-operative Societies Act 1993, any written law enforced by the Commission or any written law whatsoever, suspects any person to have committed any offence under this Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993, any written law enforced by the
Commission or any other written law whatsoever, it shall be lawful for the Commission to give information of such commission to a police officer, or to convey any or all information in relation to such offence to any authority or person having power to investigate under, or enforce, the law under which the offence is suspected by the
Commission to have been committed.
Subsection (4) shall have full force and effect, notwithstanding any inconsistency therewith, or contrary thereto, in this Act, the
Co-operative Societies Act 1993, any written law enforced by the
Commission or any other written law.
Institution of prosecution
For the purpose of section 380 of the Criminal Procedure
Code, an officer or employee of the Commission authorized under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be a public officer.
Representation in civil proceedings
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other written law—
in any other civil proceedings in which the Commission is required or permitted by the court to be represented, or to be heard, or is otherwise entitled to be represented or to be heard, any officer of the Commission authorized by the Chief Executive
Officer for that purpose may, on behalf of the Commission, institute such proceedings or appear in such proceedings and may make all appearances and applications and do all acts in respect of the proceedings on behalf of the Commission.
Power to make regulations
The Commission may, with prior written approval of the
Minister, make regulations for carrying into effect the objects of this
Act or any provision of this Act and for prescribing anything which under this Act is to be prescribed.
*NOTE—see section 16 of the Malaysia Co-Operative Societies Commission (Amendment) Act 2023
[Act A1694] w.e.f. 1 October 2023 which provides the following provision:
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Saving and transitional
The person holding the office of the Executive Chairman immediately before to the commencement of this Act shall continue to hold such office and shall be deemed to be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer under the principal Act as amended by this Act.
The person holding the office of the Deputy Executive Chairman immediately before to the commencement of this Act shall continue to hold such office and shall be deemed to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer under the principal Act as amended by this Act.
Any order, directive, guideline, circular, notice, decision, approval or determination issued or made by the Executive Chairman or Deputy Executive
Chairman immediately before the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to be made or issued by the Chief Executive Officer under the principal Act as amended by this Act and shall remain valid.
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Act 665
LIST OF AMENDMENTS
Amending law
Short title
In force from
Act A1470
Malaysia Co-operative Societies
Commission (Amendment) Act 2014
07-01-2015
Malaysia Co-operative Societies
Commission (Amendment) Act 2023
01-10-2023
61
Act 665
LIST OF SECTIONS AMENDED
Section
Amending authority
In force from 2
Act A1694 01-10-2023 6
Act A1694 01-10-2023 11
Act A1470 07-01-2015
01-10-2023 11A
Act A1694 01-10-2023 11B
Act A1694 01-10-2023 11C
Act A1694 01-10-2023 11D
Act A1694 01-10-2023 13
Act A1694 01-10-2023 14
Act A1694 01-10-2023 15
Act A1694 01-10-2023 19
Act A1694 01-10-2023 24
Act A1694 01-10-2023 45
Act A1694 01-10-2023 46
Act A1694 01-10-2023 56
Act A1694 01-10-2023 60
Act A1694 01-10-2023
62
Section
Amending authority
In force from 62A
Act A1470 07-01-2015
01-10-2023