KOTA BHARU, Sept 15 - A former construction project manager pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM14,000 in penalty payments collected from a contractor for a commercial building project owned by Lembaga Tabung Haji.
Mohamad Hashim Mukhatap, 53, who was then construction manager at THP Timur Sdn Bhd, was charged with misappropriating the funds - collected as penalties from contractor Kelpile Sdn Bhd - by depositing them into his personal bank account.
The case involves a proposed project to construct and complete a 22-storey commercial building comprising 244 serviced apartments, four penthouses, public amenities, commercial space, parking facilities, a one-level sub-basement and related facilities on Lot 273, Section 12, Kota Bharu.
He allegedly committed the offence at Sofea Residensi, Lot 10015, Section 12, here between November 15, 2017, and August 8, 2018.
The charge, framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy public prosecutor Mariah Omar proposed bail of RM15,000, while defence counsel Fahmi Abd Moin Khairuddin requested that bail be set at RM5,000.
Judge Dazuki Ali allowed bail of RM8,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport, refrain from interfering with witnesses and report to the MACC Shah Alam office monthly.
The court fixed October 19 for mention.
