SHAH ALAM: A former chef claimed trial at the magistrate's court today for stealing a Rolex Oyster watch worth RM67,000 from a branded goods buy-and-sell shop in Subang Jaya last month.
Safaruddin Bacho, 44, entered his plea after the charge was read out to him before magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman.
The bachelor is accused of theft in a dwelling house by stealing the watch at 10.40am from the premises in SS16, supervised by a woman, 32, on Nov 23.
The charge under Section 380 of the Penal Code carries a maximum 10-year jail term, a fine, and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Sofea Jaysal urged the court to impose a RM6,000 bail.
In mitigation, defense lawyer Shalehhuddin Salam asked for minimal bail as his client was supporting his parents.
"He was terminated as a chef and does not have a steady job now," he said.
Syafiq allowed bail of RM4,000 with one surety and set Feb 14, 2024, for mention.
Previously, Subang Jaya district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, had said his men from the Criminal Investigations Unit arrested the suspect at a shopping mall on Nov 29.
It was reported that he had allegedly posed as a customer and stole the watch from the shop before selling it for RM25,000.
The theft happened while two employees were opening the shop. As one employee was on the phone, the suspect allegedly grabbed the watch and fled the scene.