A SENIOR police officer and an elderly man pleaded not guilty at the magistrates’ court in George Town today to charges involving the release of 11 foreigners held on suspicion of being involved in Macau Scams in Penang last year.

Assistant Superintendent Mohamad Azrim Abu Bakar, 41, and S. Muniandy, 62, claimed trial after their charges were read to them before magistrate Nur Melati Diana Abd Wahab.

Azrim is accused of flouting the law by failing to hand over the 11 foreigners to the Immigration Department, an action which saved the suspects from deportation.

He allegedly committed the offence at the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Northeast District Police Headquarters between 2pm and 3pm on February 9, last year.

The charge under section 217 of the Penal Code carries a jail sentence of up to two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Muniandy was charged with abetting Azrim in committing the offence at the same time, place and date.

Muniandy, who was declared bankrupt in 2007, was charged under section 109 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The magistrate allowed both bail of RM5,000 with one surety each and fixed case mention on May 18.

In March last year, Penang police detained eight individuals comprising citizens, police and an Immigration Department personnel to assist in investigation into the suspected releasing of Chinese nationals believed to be involved in Macau Scams in Penang. – Bernama, April 13, 2022.