Ahmad Kamal Akbar Rahim @ Abd Rahim, 54, made the plea after the charges were read before magistrate Siti Zulaikha Nordin @ Ghani.

He was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 10 years in prison, whipping and a fine, upon conviction.

He was alleged to have deceived Ibrahim Romli, 53, into believing that he would make a profit on a non-existent housing project investment. This led to the complainant handing over cheques totalling RM580,000 in various transactions.

The offences were allegedly committed between Sept 8 and 24, 2018, at the Tasek Gelugor business complex.

Deputy public prosecutor Asma’ ‘Amira Shahidani asked the court to impose bail of RM10,000 for each charge.

However, National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Ima Syakira Salim, representing Kamal, appealed for a minimum bail amount.

She cited the accused’s bankruptcy, lack of regular income and responsibility of supporting his unemployed wife and 10 children.

The court then granted bail of RM56,000 for all seven charges and set June 26 for case mention.