Felda admin clerk claims trial to CBT over RM41,632 death benefit funds

KUANTAN: A Felda administrative assistant was charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday with criminal breach of trust involving death benefit funds amounting to RM41,652.42.

Nurul Syafiha Awang Za, 33, from Marang, Terengganu pleaded not guilty to the charge before Judge Datuk Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain.

The accused allegedly committed the offence by pocketing death benefit payouts for the next-of-kin of seven settlers, which were entrusted to her at Felda Sungai Panching Timur office between February 2018 and June 2019.

The mother of three was charged under Section 406 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years with whipping and a fine, if convicted. Following the CBT allegation, she was transferred to Felda Chini, Pekan but has now been suspended.

Judge Ahmad Zamzani allowed the unrepresented accused bail of RM5,000 with one surety and ordered her to report to the nearest MACC office once a month. The court fixed Dec 22 for mention.