News weekly The Heat is facing legal action from the Human Resource Ministry over a report on alleged irregularities in the appointment of a training company under the Human Resources Development Fund's (HRDF) recognition of prior learning (RPL) programme and several other decisions.

Human Resource Minister Richard Riot said the ministry took a serious view of the allegation as it had brought the HRDF and the ministry into disrepute.

"I don't know whether it was done intentionally or they just don't know what they are talking about. What was written in The Heat has hit us.

"But we are going to hit back by taking legal action against them," he added.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between HRDF and three agencies under the RPL programme in Putrajaya, Richard (left) said he had brought up the matter at the cabinet meeting yesterday and was given the nod to take legal action against The Heat .

In its report, The Heat claimed that a report on the alleged wrongdoings, including favourable treatment accorded to a company and removal of Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) CEO Ali Badaruddin Abdul Kadir for going against the decision, had been sent to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Prime Minister's Office.

The HRDF, which manages about RM1 billion in mandatory employer contributions for human capital development, is administered by PSMB, an agency under the ministry.

The government recently announced a RM400 million allocation for up-skilling and re-skilling programmes under the RPL and Malaysian skills certificate (MSC) programmes.

Richard said the ministry would cooperate with the MACC if it were to probe into the allegations.

In a statement issued to the media, Richard said the HRDF had granted the RPL certification to four training providers, namely the Skills Development Department, University of Balarat (Australia), the Institute of Supply Chain Management and Gazelle Colleges Group (both from the United Kingdom).

He said Ali Badaruddin was never asked to leave, instead he was transferred to the Public Service Department effective April 10.

"We had been alleged of giving money to Bengkel Niaga Ala-Cina (Bena), which is actually an agent appointed by Gazelle Colleges Group. Until today, Bena has not been paid a single sen," he added.

- Bernama