SHAH ALAM: A former accountant of early childhood education company Little Caliphs International Sdn Bhd claimed trial to six charges of criminal breach of trust involving over RM200,000 meant for zakat payments.
Rafidah Basar, 29, entered her plea before Sessions Court judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir.
On all counts, Rafidah was accused of accepting and transferring RM216,478, which were proceeds from illegal activities, after deceiving a colleague, 36, into believing the monies were for zakat payments for Little Caliphs.
The monies were allegedly transferred from the bank accounts of four individuals into Rafidah’s at two bank branches, here, between Aug 30, 2023 until March 4 last year.
The charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Unlawful Activities Act carry a jail term not exceeding 15 years and a fine not less than five times the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
Deputy public prosecutor V. Manjira urged the court to set bail at RM60,000 for all charges and for Rafidah’s passport to be impounded.
In his bail application, defence lawyer Iqmal Jamal asked that his client be given a RM10,000 bail for all charges.
“The accused is helping her mother to sell kuih and earning between RM1,000 and RM2,000.
“She is also taking care of her disabled sister and mother,” he said.
Anas granted Rafidah RM12,000 with two sureties and ordered her not to harass prosecution witnesses.
The court set Oct 6 for mention.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
