Former Tourism Ministry Director Charged with Filing False Claim for Non-Existent Marquee Tent
PETALING JAYA: A former state director of the tourism, arts and culture ministry was charged in the Ayer Keroh sessions court today with filing a false claim for the supply of a non-existent marquee tent worth RM24,000 for a ministry event two years ago.
The Charge
Yeow Chin Chai, 43, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before judge Elesabet Paya Wan. He was charged with using a false invoice under the name of Shahz Titah Bumi Enterprise, dated September 18, 2023, for the supply of a marquee tent and platform worth RM24,000 for the Melaka Mount Ophir Ultra Trail 2023 programme. The offence was allegedly committed at his office between September 18 and October 10, 2023.
The Offence
The charge was made under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(2) of the same Act. The offence carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ jail and a fine no more than five times the value of the false claim or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Bail
MACC deputy public prosecutors Sharina Farhana Nor Sa’ari and Fatin Nur Athirah Zainudin offered bail of RM25,000 on condition that he report to the Melaka MACC office once a month and surrender his passport to the court. However, lawyer Fadly Hashim requested a reasonable bail amount, citing Yeow’s four children aged 11, 10, eight, and 11 months, as well as his parents with high blood pressure and cholesterol who require treatment at a government hospital. The court set bail at RM10,000 and granted the conditions requested by the prosecution.
Next Hearing
The case was set for re-mention on April 22, with the court also ordering Yeow to hand over the relevant documents.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes. The prosecution’s efforts to ensure that the accused is held accountable for his actions are a positive step towards maintaining public trust in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Yeow Chin Chai charged with?
A: He was charged with filing a false claim for the supply of a non-existent marquee tent worth RM24,000 for a ministry event.
Q: What was the value of the false claim?
A: The value of the false claim was RM24,000.
Q: What was the maximum sentence for the offence?
A: The maximum sentence for the offence was up to 20 years’ jail and a fine no more than five times the value of the false claim or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Q: What was the amount of bail set by the court?
A: The court set bail at RM10,000.