KUALA LUMPUR: Two individuals pleaded not guilty to three charges, each of making fraudulent claims amounted to RM1.2 million, relating to a shopping mall development project in Kuala Terengganu.
Mohd Azhari Che Omar, 43, pleaded not guilty to three charges of cheating Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB) when the charges were read to him before Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob this morning.
Azhari, who works as a YHS Associates Sdn Bhd consultant, was charged with three counts for fraudulently certifying Gafis (M) Sdn Bhd to PHB, and convincing PHB to pay Gafis on basis that the company is eligible to receive RM46 million worth of progress claims for the shopping mall development project.
The amount includes RM1.2 million claimed for Factory Acceptance Testing materials for the shopping mall development project including booster and pneumatic pump, chiller and condenser pump that were never used in the project.
He was alleged to have committed the offence of recommending Gafis to PHB between Nov 6, 2020, till Jan 8, 2021, and for convincing PHB to make the payment to the company between Dec 9, 2020, till Feb 15, 2021.
While another accused, Rosliza Lah was charged with three counts of abetting Azhari, by preparing the progress claims documents, of which she pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to her before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.
The 46-year-old Gapis contract and procurement manager was alleged to have committed the offence on the same dates as Azhari's.
Azhari's charges were framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping and fine, if convicted.
Rosliza's charges were framed under Section 109 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 420 of the same law, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping and fine, if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib prosecuted both accused, whereas Azhari was represented by lawyer Hasnan Hamzah and Rosliza was represented by lawyer Mohd Fikah Sanusi. Justices Rozina set RM150,000 bail for Azhari and Azura set RM50,000 bail for Rosliza, before fixing December 16 and January 5 next year for case re-mention, respectively.