TWO women have claimed trial to cheating a retiree of about RM120,000 by allegedly concocting a non-existent tax debt and offering to help settle it at the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) building in Kuala Lumpur.
Noorfarah Surina Ahmad, 42, and Nurfalah Noordin, 33, pleaded not guilty to three joint charges under Section 420 of the Penal Code, read with Section 34, before Magistrate S. Punitha on Friday (Aug 14).
The prosecution alleged that the pair deceived Koay Kuang Hew on three occasions — April 10, April 14 and June 4 — by offering to assist him in resolving the purported tax arrears.
If convicted, the women face up to 10 years' imprisonment, as well as a fine and whipping, under the provision.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Zarris Sofea Zainudin applied for bail of RM10,000 for each charge against each accused, with both women also required to report to the nearest police station until the conclusion of the case.
However, defence counsel Izzat Fakhri Halimi, representing Noorfarah Surina, urged the court to impose a substantially lower bail, saying his client works as an event organiser and earns about RM2,000 a month.
"She was arrested on Tuesday and has been in remand until Friday. During the investigation, she gave her full cooperation," said Izzat, adding that his client is married and has an 11-year-old child and lives with her family and parents in Cyberjaya.
He also told the court that Noorfarah Surina's father requires regular and costly dialysis treatment.
"We request a minimum bail to ensure her attendance while not burdening her family," he added.
Lawyer Intan Shafini Mior Shahrin of the National Legal Aid Foundation, representing Nurfalah, said her client is unemployed and lives with schizophrenia.
"She is still receiving treatment and is being cared for by her ageing parents who rely on their welfare aid," Intan said.
"She also has two school going children, aged five and 11, who are under the care of her ex-husband. A collective bail of RM30,000 would be a punishment for her family."
Magistrate Punitha subsequently set bail at RM4,500 with one surety for each charge for both accused.
The court fixed Sept 24 for mention to allow Nurfalah time to formally appoint legal representation.
Both women were also ordered to report monthly to the police station nearest to their respective homes until the case is concluded. - August 14, 2026
