Azmi, 67, however, pleaded not guilty after both charges were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin.
KUALA LUMPUR: Alam Maritim Resources Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Azmi Ahmad, 67, today claimed trial to two charges of cheating involving daily vessel charter rates.
Azmi pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin.
The charges, under Section 417 of the Penal Code, involve allegations that Azmi dishonestly concealed higher daily charter rates, resulting in a principal officer agreeing to vessel charter agreements at lower rates.
For the first charge, Azmi was accused of cheating TH Alam Management Sdn Bhd principal officer Iskandar Mohd Zaffa, 48, by allegedly concealing an actual daily charter rate of RM80,500 stated in a work order dated Aug 24, 2023.
The prosecution alleged that Azmi’s actions induced Iskandar to agree to a BIMCO Supplytime 2017 agreement at a daily charter rate of RM70,000 between Alam-JV DP2 (L) Inc and Alam Maritim (M) Sdn Bhd.
The alleged offence was committed on Sept 6, 2023, at an office in Sri Petaling.
For the second charge, Azmi was accused of concealing an actual daily charter rate of RM110,000 stated in a work order dated Jan 15, 2024.
He allegedly induced Iskandar to agree to a BIMCO Supplytime 2017 agreement at a daily charter rate of RM78,000 between TH Alam Management Sdn Bhd and Alam Maritim (M) Sdn Bhd.
The second alleged offence was committed on Jan 16, 2024, at the same location.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution proposed bail of RM500,000 with one Malaysian surety.
The prosecution also sought additional conditions requiring Azmi to report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Putrajaya every three months and refrain from contacting or interfering with prosecution witnesses, either directly or through third parties.
However, defence lawyer Wan Muhd Ariff Ameer Wan Normazlan urged the court to set bail at RM100,000, arguing that the offences were bailable and that RM500,000 was excessive.
He said Azmi had fully cooperated with the MACC throughout the investigation and had voluntarily attended court.
The lawyer also told the court that Azmi remained the CEO of Alam Maritim and that his son was prepared to act as his bailor.
He said Azmi, who has permanent residence in Shah Alam, posed no flight risk.
The defence also applied for Azmi’s passport to be returned, saying it had been surrendered to the MACC during investigations.
The court subsequently set bail at RM300,000 with one Malaysian surety”
Judge Suzana also imposed the two additional conditions sought by the prosecution, requiring Azmi to report to the MACC office in Putrajaya every three months and not interfere with prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded.
The court fixed Nov 18 for case mention and submission of documents.
