KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The director of a steamboat restaurant chain pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court today to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving more than RM1.4 million in company funds two years ago.
Yong Pitt Lok, 48, was charged, in his capacity as a person entrusted with control over the company’s funds, with committing CBT involving RM1,468,958.29, which was allegedly transferred into his personal bank account for his own benefit.
The offence was allegedly committed at a premises on Jalan Radin Bagus 8, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, between March 11 and October 24, 2024.
The charge was framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Zul Hilmi Latiff proposed bail at RM120,000 in one surety.
However, lawyer Lee Keng Fatt, representing the accused, appealed for a lower bail of about RM50,000 on the grounds that his client is the family’s sole breadwinner and has three school-going children.
“My client poses no flight risk and has given good cooperation to the police throughout the investigation. He also never failed to appear when called three times to give his statement.
“We request the court not to impound my client’s passport as he needs it to travel abroad for business matters. We seek bail of about RM50,000,” he said.
Judge Azrul Darus allowed Yong bail of RM50,000 in one surety and fixed June 26 for mention.
