Construction firm owner charged with falsifying RM275,400 wage subsidy claim

A Sessions Court hearing in George Town saw Muhammad Ra'abilshah Samzali, 42, charged with providing false particulars to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) in a targeted wage-subsidy claim dated February 14, 2022. The prosecution alleges that Samzali submitted a document titled "SIP Subsidi Upah Bersasar 5.0" on behalf of MRSJ Builders Sdn Bhd, listing 163 individuals who were not actually employed by the company, resulting in a claim of RM275,400.

Judge Irwan Suainbon read the charge, and Samzali entered a plea of not guilty. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar requested RM10,000 bail and monthly reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), also seeking surrender of the accused’s passport. Defense lawyer Muhammad Arif Shaharuddin highlighted the accused’s income of RM7,000-RM10,000 per month, his role as a family provider, and his cooperation with MACC, urging a minimum bail of RM5,000, which the court granted. The next court mention is set for November 2.