SHAH ALAM: The former owner of Kuantan FA and Marcerra United has been arrested for defying a court order to pay RM1.4 million in wage arrears to 46 players and 12 officials dating back to 2018.
The man, in his 50s, was detained after a criminal case hearing related to a separate fraud case at the Shah Alam Sessions Court yesterday.
Mohamad Suhail Rahimi Abdul Razak, the lawyer representing the former players and officials told Utusan Malaysia that the arrest followed a committal order issued by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in February.
He said that the same court had ruled the individual should serve a week in prison for contempt of court.
"However, the court granted him a two-week extension to settle the wage arrears.
"However, he only paid RM600,000 by mid-2023 with RM1.4 million in outstanding payments."
Suhail said the man would be taken to Kajang Prison, and they plan to initiate criminal proceedings under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraud.
Meanwhile, former Kuantan FA player Abdul Ghani Abdul Rahman, 39, expressed relief that justice is being served with the arrest of the club's former owner.
"I was owed three months' wages, which severely impacted my family's life.
"I hope the 'Datuk' will settle all outstanding payments. We will pursue further action if he fails to do so."
The former Kuantan FA players are demanding RM3 million, while former officials are claiming RM1.2 million in arrears dating back to 2018.
Similarly, former players and officials of Marcerra United are seeking a total of RM2 million, bringing the total claims to over RM6 million, which the club management must address as per the contracts involved.
Marcerra's management merged with Kuantan FA to compete in the Premier League in 2018, but folded early due to the failure to pay player wages for four months, leading to its expulsion from the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Marcerra United's stint in the FAM League also ended abruptly in 2018 due to financial turmoil.