A former deputy manager of a Tabung Haji subsidiary has claimed trial to a charge of abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM14,000 nearly nine years ago.
Tengku Kamarolhisham Tengku Kamaruddin, 55, entered his not-guilty plea after the charge was read before Sessions Court Judge Dazuki Ali today.
He is accused of abetting THP Timur Sdn Bhd construction manager Mohamad Hashim Mukhatap, 53, who allegedly dishonestly misappropriated RM14,000 and deposited the money into his personal bank account.
The money was reportedly collected as a penalty from contractor Kelpile Sdn Bhd in connection with a project to construct a 22-storey commercial building owned by Tabung Haji at Lot 273, Section 12.
The proposed development comprised 244 serviced apartments, four top-floor residential units, public facilities on the seventh floor, two levels of commercial space, five levels of parking, an additional basement level and related facilities.
The alleged offence involving Tengku Kamarolhisham is said to have taken place at Sofea Residensi, Section 12, between Nov 15, 2017 and Aug 8, 2018.
He was charged under Section 109 read together with Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy public prosecutor Asmah Che Wan proposed bail of RM15,000 with one surety, along with additional conditions requiring Tengku Kamarolhisham to report to the MACC office every month and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
His lawyer, Fahmi Abd Moin, sought a lower bail amount, pointing out that his client had already paid RM45,000 in bail and surrendered his passport to the court after being charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court earlier this month.
Fahmi said Tengku Kamarolhisham had been self-employed for about a year, earning approximately RM5,000 a month, while supporting six children who are studying at public institutions of higher learning and schools.
The court subsequently granted bail of RM8,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to report to the MACC office in Shah Alam, Selangor, once a month and not interfere with prosecution witnesses.
The court fixed Oct 19 for mention of the case, and Tengku Kamarolhisham paid the bail.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Hashim previously claimed trial at the same court on Sept 15 to a charge of criminal breach of trust involving the collection of the penalty.
He was also granted bail of RM8,000 with one surety, with the case fixed for mention on Oct 19.
