Yap Kim Heng, 62, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before judge Maimoonah Aid, Utusan Malaysia reported.

According to the charge sheet, Yap is accused of misappropriating rental payments, specifically cheques for between RM1,350 and RM4,200, from Dai Sou Nasi Lemak, through his capacity as the Kuantan Amateur Basketball Association (Kaba) deputy chairman.

He is alleged to have deposited the payments into his and his family members’ accounts instead of the association’s account.

The offences were allegedly committed between May 8, 2018 and June 15, 2021 at RHB Bank Bhd on Jalan Air Putih, Kuantan.

The charges, framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, each carry a sentence of up to 20 years’ jail and whipping, as well as a fine, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Rifah Izzati Abdul Mutalif from the Pahang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission prosecuted, while Yap was represented by R Balabedha.

Bail was set at RM3,000 per charge, totalling RM18,000, with additional conditions including surrendering Yap’s passport to the court and to report to the MACC office once a month.

The prosecution had earlier requested bail of RM30,000, but the defence asked for a lower amount and for Yap to keep his passport.

Balabedha said Yap is unemployed, needs to support his sick wife and child, and has ongoing treatment for his heart problems in Singapore.