A former construction project manager claimed trial at the Kota Bharu Sessions Court today to a charge of criminal breach of trust involving RM14,000 collected as penalties from a contractor for a Tabung Haji-owned commercial building project, Bernama reported.
Mohamad Hashim Mukhatap, 53, who was a Construction Manager at THP Timur Sdn Bhd, was accused of misappropriating the penalty money collected from Kelpile Sdn Bhd by depositing it into his personal bank account.
The alleged offence involved a project to construct and complete a 22-storey commercial building in Kota Bharu comprising 244 serviced apartments, four penthouses, public facilities, commercial space, parking areas, a one-storey sub-basement and related facilities.
Mohamad Hashim was alleged to have committed the offence at Sofea Residensi, Lot 10015, Section 12, Kota Bharu, between Nov 15, 2017 and Aug 8, 2018.
He was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Mariah Omar offered RM15,000 bail, while defence lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin Khairuddin sought RM5,000.
Judge Dazuki Ali allowed bail at RM8,000 with one surety and ordered Mohamad Hashim to surrender his passport, refrain from interfering with witnesses and report monthly to the MACC office in Shah Alam.
The court fixed Oct 19 for mention of the case.
