YOURSAY | Tabung Haji losses – the buck must stop somewhere

Kota Bharu: A 53-year-old ex-construction manager, Mohamad Hashim Mukhatap, appeared in court today accused of stealing RM14,000 in penalties from a Tabung Haji-funded project in 2017 and 2018. The charges, brought by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), allege that Mohamad, who once managed construction for THP Timur Sdn Bhd, misappropriated the funds by depositing them into his personal bank account.

The money was collected from Kelpile Sdn Bhd, the contractor, as a penalty for a planned 22-storey commercial complex in Kota Bharu, a project comprising apartments, penthouses, public areas, and more. The alleged theft occurred between Nov 15, 2017, and Aug 8, 2018, at Sofea Residensi, Section 12. Mohamad pleaded not guilty to the charge of criminal breach of trust under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which could result in up to 20 years imprisonment, whipping, and a fine if found guilty.

MACC prosecutor Mariah Omar argued for bail of RM15,000, while Mohamad's lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin requested a lower RM5,000 bail amount. The court ultimately set bail at RM8,000 with monthly reporting to a MACC office in Shah Alam, passport surrender, and a ban on interfering with witnesses. The next mention is scheduled for Oct 19.