The victim made payments totalling RM467,935 to the accused for the alleged service.

P Wicknesvaran, 35, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out before judge Sabariah Othman.

He was charged with cheating G Kanniason, 60, into believing that he could provide religious spiritual services.

The offence was allegedly committed at a bank in Menara Ampang, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng here between July 21 to Dec 29, 2022.

The charge, framed under Section 415 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 417 of the same law, provides a maximum of five years imprisonment or a fine or both, if convicted.

The court allowed Wicknesvaran bail of RM20,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court.

The court set May 10 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Hanis Anisha Jamilludin prosecuted, while lawyer Shamsher Singh Thind represented the accused.