Ex-JAIM clerk in the dock over RM150,000 graft case

MELAKA: A former clerical assistant of the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) has been charged at the Sessions Court here with four counts of cheating involving about RM154,000 relating to emoluments.

Muhammad Anuar Md Zin, 38, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before judge Elesabet Paya Wan on Wednesday (Aug 30).

Based on the charge sheet, the accused allegedly deceived four part-time teachers into believing that "receipts" for the reimbursement of allowances paid owing due to their resignations between Dec 1, 2016 and Nov 30, 2018 were genuine.

The total payout was RM154,864.40.

The accused allegedly committed the offence between Nov 8, 2017 and July 19, 2018 at JAIM's human resources section in Melaka Tengah district.

The charges were framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a jail term of between one and 10 years and whipping upon conviction.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) prosecuting officer Nur Syakila Yaacob appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Mohd Nazri Abd Hamid.

The court granted bail of RM10,000 and ordered the accused to report to the MACC office every month until the disposal of the case.

The court also fixed Sept 15 for next mention.