BUTTERWORTH: A man was charged at the Sessions Court here today with illegal deposits taking amounting to RM103,635 two years ago.
Sai Bee Nyean, 59, claimed trial when the charge was read to him before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
Sai is alleged to have accepted deposits amount of RM103,635 from one Wan Hamisah Ahamad, 59, without a valid licence under Section 10 of the Financial Services Act 2013 (Act 758) between May and August 2022.
He is alleged to have committed the offence at a premise off Jalan Raja Uda here in May 2022.
The charge was framed under Section 137(1) of the Financial Services Act 2013, punishable under Section 137(2) of the same Act and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
The accused may face a fine of not more than RM50 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Amira Ruzaini Wan Abdul Razak did not offer bail.
Sai's counsel, Ch'ng Kim Hock, told the court that his client was an end-stage kidney patient.
He said his client needed dialysis almost daily and it would be very dangerous for him if bail is not granted.
"Also, we have a strong reason to make a representation to the Attorney-General for the charge against my client to be dropped.
"Bail is just to ensure my client's presence in court and for no other reason," he said.
Zulhazmi also asked Ch'ng for Sai's medical report, to which he told the court he would provide it.
Zulhazmi then set bail at RM20,000 with two sureties and fixed Feb 26 for mention, pending document submission.
He also ordered the accused to hand over his passport to the court.