00:00A manager at a well-known steamboat restaurant chain is facing serious fraud allegations,
00:05accused of quietly siphoning 1.5 million ringgit into his own pocket.
00:1048-year-old Yong Pitlock appeared before Sessions Court Judge Azrul Daris on Thursday,
00:15pleading not guilty to a charge of criminal breach of trust.
00:18According to the charge sheet, Yong, entrusted with company funds in his role as manager,
00:24allegedly transferred over 1.46 million ringgit from company accounts
00:28directly into his own bank account for personal gain.
00:31The charge is framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code,
00:35one of the more serious CBT provisions reserved for those who abuse a position of trust.
00:40If convicted, Yong faces between 2 and 20 years in prison, whipping and a fine.
00:46The prosecution sought bail of 120,000 ringgit,
00:50but Yong's lawyer appealed for a lower amount,
00:52telling the court his client has a wife, three children and an elderly mother to support.
00:58Counsel Li-Keng Phat also highlighted that Yong had cooperated fully with police throughout the investigation,
01:04providing his statement three times without being arrested or remanded,
01:08and voluntarily appeared in court when informed of the charges.
01:12He is not a flight risk, Li told the judge.
01:15Judge Azrul fixed bail at 50,000 ringgit with one surety.
01:18The case returns to court for mention on June 29th.
