KUCHING: A representative of a security service company and a director of a business company each claimed trial in the Sessions Court, on charges of submitting false claims to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for incentives under the Penjana 2.0 programme amounting to RM28,500.
Desnee Hung Kah Yee, 27, who faces 47 charges, while Mohamed Nadzeer Kudpudeen, 37, who faces 10 charges, each pleaded not guilty before Judge Steve Ritikos as soon as the charges were read separately on Tuesday (Sept 26).
Desnee and Nadzeer were each charged under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which is punishable under Section 24 of the same Act, for making false claims.
If convicted, the offence carries a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to five times the value of the claim, RM10,000, or whichever is higher.
Additionally, they were separately charged under Section 471 of the Penal Code and punishable under 465 of the same Code, for dishonestly using the details of their employees to make false claims for Penjana 2.0.
Desnee is alleged to have submitted false claims totalling RM23,500 to Socso officials around May and July 2021.
Meanwhile, Nadzeer is alleged to have committed a similar offence for false claims amounting to RM5,000 between February and December 2021.
Judge Steve Ritikos allowed Desnee to be released on a RM15,000 cash bail with one local surety for all charges, while Nadzeer was released on a RM5,000 cash bail with one local surety for all the charges faced.
The court set Nov 1 as case management for both accused.
The prosecution was handled by MACC deputy public prosecutor Nisla Abdul Latiff and prosecuting officers Jawa Milu and Noor Afiqah Mohd Yusuf.
Desnee was represented by Franciss Wee and Nadzeer was represented by Daniel Ling.
