KUANTAN: A company director claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to unlawful occupation of state land in Kampung Permatang Perawan in Pekan.
Cheong Chin Chong, 62, made the plea before judge Azman Mustapha.
He is accused of unlawfully occupying Pahang government land in Kampung Permatang Perawan in Pekan about 5.15pm on Aug 8 last year.
The charge was framed under Section 425(1)(a) of the National Land Code 1965, which provides a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, upon conviction.
Additionally, under Section 426C(3) of the National Land Code 1965, an order of the forfeiture of the items seized can be made if it is proved that an offence under Section 425 has been committed.
Appearing for the prosecution were Pahang Land and Mines Office prosecuting officers Muhammad Najmi Zaki Amer Suhaimi and Muhammad Taqiuddin Azizan, while the accused was not represented.
Najmi requested that bail be set at RM20,000.
In mitigation, Cheong, who is a site supervisor, pleaded for a lower bail as he only earns between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month, and has to support his wife, children and father.
Azman set bail at RM6,000 with one surety and fixed March 22 for case management.