KUALA LUMPUR: A 43-year old businessman was shocked to find out that he was running out of money from his account, believed to be swindled by his employee.
Chai Kok Wah received a call from his bank on Nov 25, last year and informed him that there was insufficient balance in his account, to clear a cheque.
He said he was surprised that a total of 10 cheques, totalling RM18,000, were issued to his employee, Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, 29.
Norhafizah, who was employed as an accounts clerk last year in February began stealing his company’s money after her first week of employment.
He then requested the bank to stop his last cheque payment and print out all of his transaction details.
He said on the same day he lodged a police report at the Subang Jaya police station and to Bank Negara.
However, that was not the end of trouble for him, when Bank Negara told him to refer to his bank instead.
“It has been a month and I have not received any feedback from the police, since I have last lodge the report.
“She forged my signature. She also did some alteration on all of these cheques.
“When I asked the bank, why they have never once called me to verify for every transactions made. I am very disappointed with the bank.
“Over the past 20 years, I have been banking and how can they be so careless,” he said, at a press conference held by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department at Wisma MCA, here.
He said the bank manager was very rude and had insulted him that if he takes the matter to court he may not win.
However, he said, the bank has agreed to pay 10 per cent from the amount.
“Till today, I am puzzled how did she (Norhafiza) manage to forge my signature, since I hold the key to my office and all my cheque books are kept safe in the cupboard,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said last year he has received 246 cases related to cheque forgery, totalling more than RM163,000.
He urged the authorities to take stern action against the culprits who has been cheating and fabricating information.
Michael advised employers should take extra caution when they hire.
“It is always good to do background check on the people that we are going to employ.
“Employers should also be on alert especially when handling cheques or any important transactions. This also includes to all commercial banks,” he said.