KOTA BHARU,  Sept  15 — A former construction project manager pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving penalty collection totalling RM14,000 from a contractor for a commercial building project owned by Lembaga Tabung Haji.

Mohamad Hashim Mukhatap, 53, then the Construction Manager for THP Timur Sdn Bhd, was charged with misappropriating the funds—collected as penalties from the contractor, Kelpile Sdn Bhd—by depositing them into his personal bank account.

The case involves a proposed project to construct and complete a 22-storey commercial building comprising serviced apartments (244 units), penthouses (four units), public amenities, commercial space, parking facilities, a sub-basement (one level), and related facilities on Lot 273, Section 12, Kota Bharu.

He allegedly committed the offence at Sofea Residensi, Lot 10015, Section 12 here, between Nov 15, 2017, and Aug 8, 2018.

The charge, framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Mariah Omar proposed bail at RM15,000, but defence counsel Fahmi Abd Moin Khairuddin requested that bail be set at RM5,000 for his client.

Judge Dazuki Ali allowed bail of RM8,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport, refrain from interfering with witnesses, and report to the MACC Shah Alam office monthly.

The court fixed Oct 19 for mention. — Bernama