AN administrative assistant from Kluang Kadi Office pleaded not guilty at Johor Baru Sessions Court today to 21 charges of making false claims for teaching allowance, totalling RM16,800.

Norlizah Mohd Jani, 45, made the plea after all the charges were read out to her before judge Kamarudin Kamsun.

In each case, Norlizah was charged in her capacity as a civil servant to have submitted documents – Borang Tuntutan Saguhati Mengajar di Bawah Rancangan Kelas Takmir Masjid dan Surau – which she knew contained statements that were false, with the intention of deceiving the Malaysian Islamic Development Department out of RM16,800 for an activity that she did not conduct.

The woman, who was not accredited to teach and receive allowances as Guru Takmir (religious teacher) was charged with committing the offence at the Kluang Kadi Office between January 2015 and September 2016.

The charge, under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, provides for imprisonment for up to 20 years and fine of not less than five times the sum of the claim, or RM10,000, whichever is higher upon conviction.

Kamarudin allowed Norlizah bail of RM20,000 in one surety and also ordered her to report to the nearest MACC office every month.

The court set October 15 for next mention of the case. – Bernama, September 14, 2020.