Chan Kong Sang, 64, a director of Sentoria Themeparks and Resorts Sdn Bhd, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before judge Sazlina Safie, Sinar Harian reported.

Chan, who has a “Datuk” title, was accused of misrepresenting the transfer of two white lions and a Eurasian lynx to Melaka Zoo, by saying it was a donation when in fact they were sold for RM68,000.

The transaction took place in March 2021 and was presented to Perhilitan as a donation in a formal letter titled “Disposal of Scheduled Wildlife to Zoo Melaka (Species Protected by the WCA 2010)” dated March 11, 2021.

The alleged misrepresentation purportedly led the Pahang Perhilitan director to approve the transfer under false pretences.

Chan was charged under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code for intentionally deceiving a public officer, an offence punishable under Section 417 of the same code. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

The prosecution was led by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy public prosecutor Sharina Farhana. Chan was represented by lawyer Bob Arumugam.

Bail was set at RM15,000 with one surety. The court also ordered Chan to surrender his passport and report to the MACC office in Putrajaya once a month until the case is resolved.

The case has been fixed for mention on July 29.