A former contractor claimed trial in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Courts here today to a charge of cheating the Melaka Architecture Museum by submitting false documents in relation to invoice on development work.

Mohammad Trevor Mohammad Darby, 35, was alleged to have submitted a document, in the form of a government order with an invoice for RM169,500 to the museum curator, Azahar Mat Daud, for work carried out to develop a holographic-based exhibition system which he knew contained false information.

The man, then the owner of Syarikat Ultra Integrated, was alleged to have verified that the job was done satisfactorily as stipulated, when it was not so.

The offence was allegedly committed at the office of the Melaka Architecture Museum here on Dec 24, 2013.

The charge, under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and punishable under Section 24(2) of the same act, provides an imprisonment for up to 20 years and fine not less than five times the bribe, upon conviction.

MACC deputy public prosecutor Nurdiyanah Mohd Nawawi, who prosecuted, offered bail of RM15,000 with one surety and an order for Mohammad Trevor to surrender his passport to the court.

However, Mohammad Trevor, who was unrepresented, said he was only an online food business operator and had children and parents to support.

Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi then set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and fixed Aug 11 for mention.

-- BERNAMA