According to the three charges, Azhari Che Omar, 43, was charged with cheating Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd (PHB) by certifying that Syarikat Gafis (M) Sdn Bhd was eligible for payment of three claims amounting to more than RM1.2 million, which prompted PHB to make payments to Syarikat Gafis between Dec 9, 2020 and Feb 15, 2021.

The payments were for the Factory Acceptance Test for some equipment, including sprinklers and chillers, which the accused knew had never been carried out under phase 1 of the proposed mixed development project in Kuala Terengganu.

All the offences were allegedly committed at the office of YHS Associates Sdn Bhd at Jalan Pandan 2/2, Pandan Jaya, here, between Nov 6, 2020 and Jan 8, 2021 under Section 420 of the Penal Code which carries a prison sentence of not less than one year and not more than 10 years with whipping and possible fine.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib proposed bail of RM150,000 in one surety for all charges with the additional condition that the accused’s passport be handed over to the court. Lawyer Hasnan Hamzah did not object to the bail amount.

Judge Rozina Ayob allowed bail for the accused at RM150,000 in one surety for all three charges and his passport would be handed over to the court until the disposal of the case.

Dec 16 is set for case mention.

In a separate sessions court, Syarikat Gafis’ procurement and contract manager, Rosliza Lah, 46, pleaded not guilty to three charges of conspiring with Azhari, by preparing the necessary documents to deceive PHB into paying the three claims.

All the offences were allegedly committed at the same place and time under Section 109 of the Penal Code read together with Section 420 which carries the same punishment.

Judge Azura Alwi set bail at RM50,000 with one surety for all charges and Rosliza would have to hand over her passport to the court until the case is completed.

Case mention will be on Jan 5.

The prosecution was handled by Akram while the accused was represented by lawyer Fikah Sanusi.