ALOR GAJAH: A shipping executive faces up to 10 years behind bars for allegedly impersonating a customs officer and cheating three individuals of over RM95,000 in cash.

Abdul Razak Amat, 49, claimed trial at the Alor Gajah magistrate's court here today to two counts of cheating and one count of cheating by impersonation to secure funds amounting to RM95,020 earlier this year.

In the first and third charge, Abdul Razak allegedly convinced foreigners Jamal Liyatra and Abd Majid Amin to cough up RM1,000 and RM1,500 in cash, respectively, to obtain identification cards from him at Taman Seri Pelangi, Rumbia, around Feb and on March 8.

The two charges, under Section 420 of the Penal Code, carry a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping and also fine, upon conviction.

In the second charge, Abdul Razak is alleged to have assumed the identity of a customs officer and cheated Kadim Ali Napiah of RM92,520 in cash in Feb at the same location.

The charge under Section 419 of the Penal Code for lying and impersonation carries a maximum jail sentence of seven years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Magistrate Nor Azizah Yusof set a total bail of RM18,000, with a surety in each charge, and set Jan 19 for mention and appointment of a lawyer.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nabilah Nizam prosecuted.

Resource : New Straits Times Online