Ex-CEO charged with money laundering, property misappropriation

A former chief executive officer claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to money laundering and misappropriation of his former company's property.

Rizam Sahar, 36, stands accused of transferring RM105,000 alleged to have obtained through illegal activities, from his bank account into the account of Public Bank RS Star Contractors & Construction Sdn Bhd via two cheques.

He allegedly committed the offence at the Public Islamic Bank (M) Bhd, Ulu Tiram branch between Dec 29, 2014 and Feb 2, 2015.

The charge under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (Act 613), carries a jail term of not more than 15 years and liable to a fine of not more than five times the amount involved, or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Rizam is also accused of misappropriating the property of Dinamik Gabungan Wilayah JB Sdn Bhd involving RM1,249,286 in sand production royalty through his Public Islamic Bank account at the same place between November 2014 and March 2015.

The charge under Section 403 of the Penal code carries a jail term of not less than six months and not more than five years and with whipping or fine on conviction.

Judge Mohd Fauzi Mohd Nasir set RM50,000 as bail with one surety for each charge and remention on Feb 1, 2017.

The court also impounded the accused's passport.

Deputy public prosecutor Khazrin Hafiz Halil represented the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission while the accused was represented by counsel R. Subash. - BERNAMA