A MAN, who call himself ‘Datuk John,’ pleaded not guilty in the Kota Bharu Sessions Court on Wednesday to two charges of possessing large quantities of subsidised cooking oil without valid authorisation.
Ahmad Nizamuddin Setapa, 28, entered his plea before Judge Nik Habri Muhamad after the charges were read out in court.
The first charge relates to the possession of 7,135 kilograms of subsidised one-kilogram cooking oil packets at a premises in Kampung Nibong, Beris, Bachok on 22 November 2022, at approximately 4.40pm.
The second charge involves the alleged possession of a further 8,348 kilograms of the same item in front of the Kota Bharu Police Station two days later, on 24 November 2022, at about 9.15pm.
Both charges were brought under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 for violating Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974, which prohibits wholesale or retail dealings in subsidised cooking oil without a valid licence or permit.
If convicted, Ahmad Nizamuddin faces penalties under Section 22(1) of the Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM1 million, up to three years’ imprisonment, or both.
During proceedings, prosecuting officer Muhammadi Iman Masjuri from the Kelantan branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) initially proposed bail of RM20,000 for each charge.
However, Judge Nik Habri allowed bail at RM8,000 with one surety for the first charge, and RM7,000 with one surety for the second.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Idabayu Subhan led the prosecution, while the accused was represented by defence counsel Syed Muhammad Syafiq Syed Abu Bakar.
The court fixed 29 October 2025 for case mention. - October 1, 2025
