Brunei Palace flour scandal trial sees physical evidence
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The case involving three Malaysians facing 45 charges of conspiring to cheat Hyatt Borneo Management Services (HBMS), a service provider based at Istana Nurul Iman, saw prosecutors call in a personnel from the receiving department of HBMS in the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (April 30).

Deputy Public Prosecutor Rozaimah Abdul Rahman and Prosecutors Atiyyah Abas and Syazwani Jumat produced the ‘Dawn’ flour as exhibits in court and tendered in the invoices as well as delivery orders.

Senior Magistrate Ervy Sufitriana Abdul Rahman then adjourned the trial to June 18, to continue with the same witness.

The charges arise from investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

In their findings, Perusahaan Ala Haji Bolhassan, a long-time flour supplier to HBMS supplied expired ‘Dawn’-brand baking flour to HBMS. The ‘Dawn’ flour was allegedly surplus from orders made by Perusahaan Ala Haji Bolhassan during the Covid-19 pandemic and was unsold past its expiration date.

After CovidD-19 restrictions were lifted, the company sold the expired flour to HBMS. The ACB launched an investigation in June 2022 where they arrested Perusahaan Ala Haji Bolhassan general manager Sam, 51; HBMS pastry chef Iskak, 56; and HBMS materials manager Abdul Sani, 56.

The allegations stated that Sam conspired with Iskak and Abdul Sani to cheat HBMS into believing that the ‘Dawn’ baking flour supplied and delivered by Perusahaan Ala Haji Bolhassan between Feb 1, 2021 and March 1, 2022 was still usable when it was expired. With the deception, HBMS ordered and subsequently made payment totalling BND25,780.

Defence counsel Ang Swee Kiang of Messrs Yu and Chiew is representing Sam Ying Kok.

Juanita Jemat from Messrs Fathan and Co represented Iskak Rahmat.

Abdul Sani Abdul Mutalib is represented by Sharah Abdul Hamid of Messrs ZS Legal. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The case involving three Malaysians facing 45 charges of conspiring to cheat Hyatt Borneo Management Services (HBMS), a service provider based at Istana Nurul Iman, saw prosecutors call in a personnel from the receiving department of HBMS in the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (April 30).