District Welfare Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Misappropriating Over RM15,000 in Housing Aid

KUALA LUMPUR — A Social Welfare Department (JKM) official appeared before the Sessions Court today to face serious allegations of financial misconduct involving public funds intended for underprivileged citizens nearly a decade ago.

Mohamad Zarir Mohamad Khozali, 46, who served as a district-level officer for the department, entered a plea of not guilty to two separate charges of misappropriating a total of RM15,000 in house repair assistance funds. The proceedings were held before Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini.

The prosecution’s case centers on two specific incidents where funds meant for welfare recipients were allegedly diverted for unauthorized use:

• The First Count: In September 2016, the accused allegedly misappropriated RM3,000 intended for 39-year-old Umi Kalsom Awang. This transaction reportedly took place within the confines of the Kulim Welfare Department office.
• The Second Count: Roughly a year later, in October 2017, Mohamad Zarir was accused of misappropriating a larger sum of RM12,000. These funds were designated for two elderly recipients, Siti Daoyah Awang (77) and Azizah Ishak (72). The incident allegedly occurred at a CIMB Bank branch located on Jalan Tuanku Putra, Kulim.

Both charges have been framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which addresses the dishonest misappropriation of property. If the court finds the accused guilty, the statutory penalties are severe, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years, along with mandatory whipping and a fine.

During the mention, Kedah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Atikah Ab Rashid led the prosecution. The accused was represented by defense counsel Mohd Hakim Hamran, who advocated for a reasonable bail amount on behalf of his client.

After considering the arguments from both sides, Judge Priscilla Hemamalini allowed the accused to be released on a bail of RM13,000 with one surety. However, the court imposed a strict condition: the accused is prohibited from communicating with or interfering with any prosecution witnesses for the duration of the trial.

The court has scheduled the case for further mention on April 8, 2026, allowing time for the submission of documents and further trial preparations.