Accountant claims trial to helping firm underpay RM2.5mil in taxes

Chew Ai Keow, a 63-year-old accountant at Abbacus Cloud Solutions, faced charges in George Town Magistrates' Court for allegedly aiding a company, Penshrimp Fishery Sdn Bhd, to underreport over RM2.5 million in taxes. The accountant appeared not guilty, stating his defense before magistrate Noor Idayu Salim. Chew was accused of helping the company review and approve sales ledgers, which omitted a RM10.67 million transaction.

This omission led to the submission of a false financial statement to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). The offense under the Income Tax Act 1967, Section 114(1A), is punishable by a fine ranging from RM2,000 to RM20,000, up to three years imprisonment, or both upon conviction. The prosecuting officer was Azniwati Yahya, while Chew's legal representation was led by N Dylan. Bail was granted at RM4,000, with the next court appearance scheduled for October 28.