JOHOR BARU: A Pontian Municipal Council administrative officer has claimed trial at the Sessions Court after he was accused of deceiving a senior citizen in relation to a construction project.
Civil servant Muhammad Nazri Abu Bakar, 38, pleaded not guilty to five counts of the offence after the charges were read on Tuesday (March 31).
The accused was said to have deceived a 72-year-old man, which led him to hand over three pieces of cheques and cash money amounting to RM62,760 at Batu 36, Jalan Johor in Pontian between Nov 19, 2021, and Nov 30, 2022.
He allegedly tricked the victim into believing that he could help process his application for the construction of a two-storey building in Mukim Rimba Terjun, Pontian.
The charges were framed under Section 417 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of five years or a fine or both upon conviction.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission prosecuting officer Muhd Faizul Kamaro Zaman offered bail at RM20,000 with one surety.
Muhammad Nazri’s lawyer asked for a lower amount, adding that the accused has to take care of his wife and four children, including one that is suffering from autism.
Sessions judge Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail allowed bail at RM10,000 with one surety, and set May 7 for next mention and the submission of documents.
