MELAKA: A former state director of the Tourism, Art and Culture Ministry (Motac) has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of submitting false claims for a sporting event
The accused, Yeow Chin Chai, 43, entered his plea yesterday before Judge Elesabet Paya Wan.
According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Melaka, Yeow allegedly falsified details on Sept 18, 2023, regarding the supply of a main marquee tent and stage for the Motac-organised Ophir Ultra Trail 2023 programme.
The false invoice, amounting to RM24,000, claimed these items were supplied when they were not. The offence was allegedly committed at the state Motac office between Sept 18 and Oct 10, 2023.
The charge, framed under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the false claim or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecution officers Sharina Farhana Nor Sa’ari and Fatin Nur Athirah Zainudin prosecuted.
Yeow’s lawyer requested a reduced bail, citing his client’s responsibility towards the care of his four young children and aged parents.
The court later granted a bail of RM10,000 with one surety and fixed April 22 as the next mention.
