BUTTERWORTH: A businessman was charged at the magistrate's court here today with seven counts of cheating involving RM580,000.
Ahmad Kamal Akbar B Rahim @ Abd Rahim, 54, claimed trial to all the charges which were read to him by the court interpreter before magistrate Siti Zulaikha Nordin @ Ghani.
He merely uttered 'tak salah' (not guilty) when asked for his pleas.
He is alleged to have deceived Ibrahim Romli to hand over RM100,000, RM50,000, RM100,000, RM100,000, RM80,000, RM50,000 and RM100,000 respectively, promising him profitable returns in investment for non-existent housing projects.
The offences were allegedly committed at the Tasek Gelugor Commercial Complex between 12.15pm on Sept 8, 2018 and 2.20pm on Sept 24, 2018.
The charges were framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides a minimum one-year and maximum 10 years' jail with whipping and shall also be liable to fine, if found guilty.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Asma' Amira Shahidani prosecuted while the accused was represented by Ima Syakira Mohd Salim from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
Asma urged the court to set bail at RM10,000 for each of the offences.
The accused, through his lawyer, pleaded for a minimal bail.
"The accused is self-employed with no fixed income, and a bankrupt.
"He is also married with 10 children, five of whom are still schooling. Two of the children are aged one and three.
"The wife is also unemployed," she told the court.
Siti Zulaikha then set bail at RM8,000 with one surety for each of the offences, bringing the total bail to RM56,000.
She also fixed June 26 for mention pending the appointment of legal counsel and submission of documents.
#kw, Butterworth, magistrate's court, cheating, RM580,000, claim trial
pix by DANIAL SAAD