Businesswoman pleads not guilty to making false statement to SSM

KUANTAN: A businesswoman pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here on Wednesday (July 23) to a charge of making a false statement to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) regarding the resignation of three company directors two years ago.

Datuk Azjuriyahti Azlan, 46, entered the plea after the charge was read before Judge Noor Aisah Mohamed.

Azjuriyahti and her husband, Datuk Sri Mohd Nazrul Izad Mohd Arsad, 46, are accused of allowing Kumpulan Maju Desa Industri (KMDI) Holding Sdn Bhd company secretary Hasnifalina Ramlee to submit a false statement concerning the resignation of three individuals as company directors.

The false statement involving the resignation of L. Sivakumar, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Zainizan Shahdan and Shahkeer Azzat Zailan via a Section 58 form was allegedly committed at Wisma KMDI, Jalan Gambut, on June 20, 2023.

She was charged under Section 591(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2016 (Act 777), which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM3 million, or both, upon conviction.

SSM prosecuting officer Abdul Hadi Abdul Muti proposed bail at RM30,000 with one surety. However, defence counsel Muhammad Nazrin Mohd Seth requested a reduction to between RM5,000 and RM8,000, citing that the surety is a contractor with irregular income.

The court allowed bail at RM8,000 and fixed Aug 28 for mention and submission of documents.

The court also issued a warrant of arrest against Mohd Nazrul Izad for failing to appear for today’s proceedings.

Muhammad Nazrin informed the court that his client was hospitalised at a private facility due to multiple health issues and submitted a hospital admission letter.

However, Abdul Hadi argued that a private hospital letter was insufficient, and the accused must furnish a medical certificate from a government hospital or clinic.

The court subsequently ordered Mohd Nazrul Izad to submit a medical certificate issued by a government medical officer of Grade 41 or above, on the next mention date. – Bernama