Retired navy commander claims trial to 89 fraud charges involving RM1mil [WATCH]

JOHOR BARU: A retired Royal Malaysian Navy commander faces 89 fraud charges related to procurement work at the Sultan Ismail Naval Base, involving over RM1.07 million.

Haizad Ismail, 43, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read out before Sessions Court Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail.

According to the charges, Haizad allegedly deceived Navy Captain Shaiful Fadzli Ismail, the commanding officer of Sultan Ismail Naval Base, into believing that procurement work at the Armed Forces Family Housing had been completed.

As a result, payments totalling RM1,070,100 were approved for 10 companies, which prosecutors claim would not have been authorised without the deception.

The alleged offences occurred while Haizad served as the Logistics and Materials Division chief at the base in Tanjung Pengelih, Kota Tinggi, between October and November 2023.

The charges are framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir proposed bail of RM180,000 for all charges.

However, Haizad's defence lawyer, Nur'ain Shahiera Khalid, requested a reduction, citing his financial and familial obligations.

"His wife is a homemaker, and he supports five school-going children, his mother, and his stepfather, who suffers from asthma.

"His only source of income is a monthly pension of RM4,000 after retiring on Jan 2, following 24 years of service."

Ahmad Kamal granted bail at RM39,000 and set April 15 for case management and document submissions.

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