Norhana Adam, 38, claimed trial after the charge was read before magistrate Khairunnisak Hassni, reported Bernama.

Norhana was charged with deceiving Latipah Abdul Rahmah, 64, by pretending to be a BNM staff named “Ary”, causing the victim to transfer RM39,450 into the accused’s bank account through 19 transactions.

The offences took place at a home in Batu 4 1/4 Kampung Alai, Melaka Tengah, between Nov 16, 2020, and Feb 9, 2021.

Norhana was charged with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, and could face up to 10 years in prison, whipping, and a fine if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Wardah Ishhar proposed that the court fix bail at RM20,000 but Norhana’s lawyer Izzuddin Ab Malek appealed for a lower amount.

Izzuddin, from the national legal aid foundation, said his client had recently divorced, just started a low-paying job at a restaurant, and needed to support her elderly parents.

Khairunnisak set bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Aug 19 for case mention.

On June 21, Norhana was also charged at the sessions court for cheating a friend of RM416,000 last year by impersonating an officer from the National Anti-Drugs Agency.