BUTTERWORTH: A former Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) information chief has been charged with 12 counts of dishonestly misappropriating over RM400,000 belonging to the association about 10 years ago.
Mohd Noor Yacub, 67, was accused of transferring a total of RM405,121 belonging to Amar Iman Development Sdn Bhd into his personal bank account between Jan 19 and Oct 21, 2015, while holding a position in the association.
The offences were allegedly committed at Maybank Islamic Berhad, Plaza MWE Branch in Lebuh Farquhar, Penang.
Mohd Noor claimed trial to all charges when they were read before Sessions Court Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah on Wednesday (Oct 15).
The offences, framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code for dishonest misappropriation of property, carry a jail term of up to five years, whipping, and a fine, upon conviction.
Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) DPP Noor Azura Zulkiflee, who appeared for the prosecution, had asked the Court to set bail at RM60,000 for all 12 charges with additional conditions.
These conditions included that the accused report to the MACC office once a month and surrender his passport to the Court.
During mitigation for bail, Mohamad Amirrul Adli, who represented the accused, told the Court that his client was elderly, a non-pensioner, and had no steady income apart from financial support from his children.
He said Mohd Noor, who is diabetic, recently underwent surgery on his left eye and is scheduled for follow-up treatment for his right eye soon.
He added that the accused had been cooperative with MACC throughout the investigation and was not a flight risk.
Zulhazmi then set bail at RM50,000 with one surety and ordered Mohd Noor to surrender his passport and report to the MACC office monthly.
The Court fixed Nov 19 for submission of documents.
Mohd Noor posted bail.
