Jawala asks for trading suspension after subsidiary's bank accounts frozen

SINGAPORE (Nov 12): Sabah-based timber company Jawala Inc said the CIMB Bank and Public Bank accounts of its subsidiary, Jawala Plantation Industries, have been suspended on Nov 7.

The company, which was listed on the Singapore Exchange some five months ago, has asked for a trading suspension of its shares.

“As the company needs more time to engage with and seek clarification from the relevant authorities and regulators in Malaysia in respect of the suspension of the bank accounts, the board has recommended that it is in the best interests of the company that the trading of its shares be voluntarily suspended with immediate effect,” Jawala said in an SGX filing on Nov 12.

The company had earlier called for a trading halt of its shares on Nov 8.

“The operations of JPI are continuing as per normal currently as other unaffected bank accounts of the group could be utilised in the interim to facilitate payment to suppliers and receipt from customers,” Jawala added.