Former construction manager denies misappropriating RM14,000 in contractor penalties

Hashim Mukhatap entered his plea in court on Wednesday, refuting allegations that he unlawfully appropriated RM14,000 in contractor penalties collected during his tenure overseeing a Tabung Haji-backed construction project.

The 55-year-old former project manager was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which deals with criminal breach of trust by a person in a position of authority. Prosecutors allege that Mukhatap misappropriated the penalty funds that were collected from a contractor during the course of the development project.

Details regarding the project timeline and the circumstances surrounding the alleged misappropriation were not immediately disclosed. The case represents growing scrutiny of financial controls in major development initiatives, particularly those involving state-linked entities.

Mukhatap's legal team indicated they would contest the charges. The court has scheduled further proceedings, with bail conditions to be determined at the next hearing. Investigators from the relevant authorities had completed their inquiries prior to the charges being filed against the former project manager.