MD denies 21 charges
Top official in fish breeding firm accused of falsifying papers
Top official of an arowana breeding company denies falsifying papers in a land transfer deal.
TAIPING: A top official of an arowana fish breeding company near here faces 21 counts of falsifying documents in a land transfer deal seven years ago.
A Sessions Court interpreter took 30 minutes to read out all the charges against Bukit Merah Aquaculture Sdn Bhd managing director Ahmad Don.
The charges, as well as another 21 alternative charges, are connected to 36 plots of land worth RM396,000 belonging to 21 villagers of Kampung Selamat Empat, Semanggol.
Ahmad, 58, allegedly committed the offences at the Krian land and district office between April 4 and June 2, 2005.
He pleaded not guilty before judge Azuar Che Yusof to all the charges.
Ahmad, who has four wives and 12 children, faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine under Section 467 of the Penal Code if convicted of the original 21 charges.
He can be jailed up to seven years and fined under Section 468 of the Penal Code, if convicted for the 21 alternative charges under Section 471 of the Penal Code.
Azuar fixed May 3 for mention of the case and fixed bail at RM120,000 with one surety for all charges. Ahmad posted the bail.
He was represented by counsel P. Ravee while DPP Ahmad Shazli Abdul Khairi prosecuted.