A married couple pleads not guilty to misappropriating a RM30,000 grant for the 2024 De San Pedro Festival in Melaka, with bail set at RM7,000 each
MELAKA: A married couple pleaded not guilty in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court to misusing a RM30,000 cultural grant.
Sara Frederica Santa Maria, 57, and her husband Sikim Gompongan, 60, entered their plea before Judge Elesabet Paya Wan.
They are jointly accused of dishonestly misappropriating a Cultural Sector Support Grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The funds were allocated for the 2024 De San Pedro Festival Programme.
The alleged offence occurred at a bank in Taman Melaka Raya between June 26 and September 25, 2024.
The charge falls under Section 403 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34.
If convicted, they face a prison term of six months to five years, with possible whipping and a fine.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission prosecutor Nur Syakila Yaacob applied for RM20,000 bail for each accused.
She requested additional conditions including passport surrender and monthly reporting to MACC.
Defence lawyer Cassian Anthony requested lower bail, stating his clients rely financially on their four children.
The court allowed bail at RM7,000 each with one surety and the prosecution’s additional conditions.
The case has been set for mention again on April 16.
