KOTA BARU: A business owner pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to two counts of possessing scheduled controlled goods, namely 15,483kg of cooking oil, without a valid licence three years ago.
Ahmad Nizamuddin Setapa, 28, entered the plea after the two charges were read before Judge Nik Habri Muhamad yesterday.
For the first count, he is charged with possessing 7,135kg of cooking oil, packed into 1kg packets, at premises in Kampung Nibong, Beris, Bachok, at 4.40pm on Nov 22, 2022.
For the second count, Ahmad Nizamuddin is accused of possessing 8,348kg of cooking oil, packed into 1kg packets, in front of the Kota Baru police station at 9.15pm on Nov 24, 2022, Bernama reported.
The charges, framed under Section 21(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, are punishable under Section 22(1) of the same Act, carrying a maximum fine of RM1mil, or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Deputy public prosecutor of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Siti Edabayu Subhan and prosecuting officer Muhammadi Iman Masjuri appeared for the prosecution, while Ahmad was represented by Syed Muhammad Syafiq Syed Abu Bakar.
The court granted bail amounting to RM15,000, requiring one surety, and instructed Ahmad Nizamuddin to report to the state’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living office on the first Sunday of each month.
Additionally, he was ordered not to interfere with any prosecution witnesses.
The case has been set for mention on Oct 29.
