A FORMER Malaysian Super League footballer claimed trial to several charges of housebreaking and retaining stolen property at a magistrate’s court in Pontian today.

For the first charge, Mohd Azinee Taib, 33, together with Khairul Akmal Zainol Abidin, 31, and Muhammad Hairul Hafiz Muzaren, 24, pleaded not guilty to breaking and entering with the intention to steal the possessions of See Chai Lian at a house in Jalan Cendana 2, Taman Cendana, Benut at 1.15pm on July 3.

They were charged under section 457 of the penal code, which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years and a fine, upon conviction.

Azinee, who played for Johor Darul Takzim II and Penang, among others, also pleaded not guilty to another charge of breaking into the house of Neo Kong Yiew in Lorong 8, Taman Benut Utama, Benut at 12.05pm on June 8, with two others still at large, with the intention of committing theft.

He also denied retaining stolen property, namely a handphone with a SIM card belonging to See Chai Lian, at the Ayer Baloi fisherman’s jetty, near Pontian, at 4.30pm on July 3.

Hairul also pleaded not guilty to the same offence, by retaining, among others, a wallet, two Vietnam Airlines tickets in the name of Tree Ching Beng and South Korean currency amounting to 22,000 won (RM80).

He is accused of committing the offence on Jalan Batu Pahat-Sanglang near Ayer Baloi at 1.30pm on July 3.

The charge is punishable by a maximum of five years’ jail or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

All three accused were unrepresented.

Magistrate Nur Azzuin Abdul Moati granted bail at RM5,000 in one surety for each offence after considering their plea for a lower bail amount on the grounds that they had families to support.

She then fixed case mention for August 30. – July 30, 2023.