Nilai private university CFO accused of RM6.56m CBT linked to IRB duty payments

A former chief financial officer (CFO) of a private university in Nilai appeared in court on August 19, pleading not guilty to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM6.56 million in university funds, prosecutors claimed. Noraini Aripin, 55, faced the allegations after she was brought before Judge Datin M. Kunasundary Marimuthu.

The charges alleged that Noraini misappropriated the university's funds for purposes other than paying ad valorem duty to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). She is accused of committing this offence between September 2025 and April of the current year, all while employed at the university's offices. Noraini faced a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, whipping, and a fine if found guilty.

The Deputy Public Prosecutor, Syairah Aqilah Khalil, requested bail set at RM100,000 with two sureties, imposing additional conditions on Noraini, including surrendering her passport and monthly reporting to the Negeri Sembilan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). However, defense attorney Kelvin Ong argued for a reduced bail amount of RM50,000, citing Noraini's status as a mother of five, her ongoing treatment for stage-three breast cancer, and her monthly income of RM15,000.

The court ultimately set bail at RM80,000 with two sureties, and agreed to all the prosecution's additional requests. The case has been rescheduled for a further hearing on September 21.