TAN Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed, director of Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to four counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM313 million and 13 charges of money laundering totalling RM139 million, in relation to the proposed Putrajaya–KLIA MEX II highway project.
The 74-year-old tycoon appeared in court wearing an all-white outfit, seated in a wheelchair and accompanied by an oxygen tank. Surrounded by family members and associates in a packed courtroom, he entered his plea before Judge Suzana Hussin.
“I understand… I plead not guilty,” said Abu Sahid as each charge was read aloud by court interpreters.
At the outset, his counsel, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, requested that his client be permitted to remain seated throughout the proceedings.
“He is not too well. He cannot stand for long,” he told the court.
According to the charges, Abu Sahid is alleged to have misappropriated RM313,124,617.02 entrusted to him in his capacity as a director of Maju Holdings. The alleged offences occurred between 3 May 2016 and 21 October 2019 at a bank in Bukit Tunku. The CBT charges fall under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of two to 20 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
On the first ten money laundering counts, he is accused of transferring RM116,449,536.12—believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities—from his personal bank account to five individuals and four construction companies, over a similar period.
The remaining three money laundering charges involve the alleged disposal of RM22,802,612.86 through the encashment of multiple cheques from the same account, between 4 May 2016 and 19 September 2018.
These offences are charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA), which provides for a maximum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the amount involved or RM5 million, whichever is greater.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib proposed bail of RM1.5 million with one surety and requested that Abu Sahid’s passport be impounded.
“The prosecution and defence agree to this bail sum if Yang Arif wishes to exercise discretion in granting bail,” he told the court.
There was no objection from the defence.
Ahmad Akram further requested that the CBT and money laundering cases be heard jointly. Judge Suzana allowed the application.
The court granted bail of RM1.5 million with one surety and ordered the surrender of the accused’s passport. The case has been fixed for mention on 3 November - Sept 8, 2025
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