KUANTAN: Four durian farmers pleaded not guilty to ten counts of money laundering involving nearly 560,000 ringgit in the Sessions Court here today.
The charges relate to proceeds from durians cultivated without proper authorisation on land in Raub since last year.
Lai Seng Wah, aged 44, faced two charges for acquiring 40,245 ringgit from unlawful activities between July 2024 and April this year.
Chin Swee Heung, aged 53, was charged with five counts involving 48,774 ringgit at the same Sungai Klau location between July and August this year.
Chua Seng Wen, aged 64, was charged with acquiring 15,945 ringgit in Sungai Klau between July and August this year.
Tong Thin Fook, aged 60, faced two charges involving 454,365 ringgit in Sungai Ruan, Raub, between July 2024 and October this year.
All four were charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of fifteen years imprisonment and a fine of up to five times the amount involved.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Public Prosecutor Ezuain Farhana Ahmad proposed bail between 20,000 and 50,000 ringgit per accused with additional conditions.
The prosecution requested monthly reporting to MACC, passport surrender to the court, and no contact with witnesses until case conclusion.
Defence lawyer Muhammad Amirull Afiqq Mohamad Lokman requested minimal bail citing family support responsibilities.
Judge Sazlina Safie granted 20,000 ringgit bail for each accused with all prosecution conditions imposed.
The court set December 9 for the next mention of the case. – Bernama
