BUTTERWORTH: A police constable was charged at the Sessions Court here this morning with cheating involving a sum of RM620, allegedly committed two years ago.
“Faham. Tak mengaku salah (I understand. I do not plead guilty),” said Awang Azizan Awang Jana, 44, when the charge was read to him by the court interpreter before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
According to the charge, Awang Azizan was accused of cheating Loke Mei Leng, 53, by fraudulently deceiving her into believing that he could settle four police summonses amounting to RM850 belonging to her younger brother, Loke Boon Fatt, 49, with a payment of RM620. He was alleged to have subsequently induced her to transfer RM620 into his Bank Islam account, despite knowing that the claim was untrue.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Maybank Nibong Tebal branch on Jun 12, 2024.
Section 417 of the Penal Code provides for a maximum jail term of five years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutors Noor Azura Zulkiflee and Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar prosecuted the case, while Awang Azizan was unrepresented.
Noor Azura requested bail to be set at RM4,000 and asked the court to impose additional conditions, including requiring the accused to report monthly to the nearest Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office and to surrender his passport to the court.
Awang Azizan, who is still serving in the police force, pleaded for minimal bail in mitigation, saying he had three dependants, including his wife and child.
“I am also caring for a sibling who is suffering from cancer, in addition to other commitments,” he said.
Judge Zulhazmi then set bail at RM3,000 with one surety.
“The accused is also required to report himself to the MACC office nearest to his residence once a month until the conclusion of the case.
“He must also surrender his passport to the court today, if he has one,” he added.
The court fixed Feb 9 for mention.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
