KUALA PILAH: A 45-year-old rubber tapper claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of running a money-lending business without a valid licence.
K. Parthiban pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before Judge Norma Ismail.
He was charged with lending RM6,500 to a 35-year-old man without having a valid licence between March 15 and July 1, 2021, at Ladang Kok Foh Mill in Jempol.
He was charged under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951 which carries a fine of between RM250,000 and RM1mil or a jail term of up to five years or both upon conviction.
The accused, who was unrepresented, then asked for a low bail amount as he had to provide for his family and his sick father.
The court then fixed bail at RM10,000 with one surety. The accused was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court and to report at the nearest police station once a month till the case is disposed of.
Judge Norma then fixed April 22 for the mention. Norazihah Asmuni prosecuted.
