KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - A former supermarket director was yesterday slapped with 31 charges of money laundering involving RM2.4 million.

Ang Keat Chuan, 52, a former director of the Billion Shopping Centre, claimed trial at the Ampang Sessions Court to the charges under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.

He is alleged to have used about RM1.2 million to finance the purchase of apartments, a shop lot and a plot of land in Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Cheras.

Almost RM290,000 was allegedly used to settle monthly payments of a Mercedes Benz and a Volvo S40, credit cards and phone bills.

The rest of the money was allegedly deposited into the bank accounts of three individuals and used to pay legal fees.
All the offences were allegedly committed at the Kajang Public Bank branch between Jan 16 2004 and May 28 last year.

Each charge carries a maximum fine of RM5 million or five years' jail or both.

Deputy public prosecutor Hazril Harun proposed RM500,000 bail as the offences were serious and involved a large sum of money.

Counsel Francis Ng however, said the amount was too high and cited the RM60,000 bail granted to Ang in Kota Baru on Wednesday when he was charged at the Sessions Court with two counts of criminal breach of trust of RM2.4 million. He pleaded not guilty.

Ng said Ang was charged in Seremban last year in another case and the bail amount was the same as in Kota Baru.

"He has attended every proceeding and has not absconded."

He said Ang's passport had also been surrendered to the court in Seremban and that all his properties had been frozen.

"His financial situation is difficult as he is now unemployed," Ng said.

Judge Noradidah Ahmad said RM200,000 bail was appropriate as Ang was charged with 31 counts of money laundering as opposed to just two charges in Kota Baru. She set Aug 15 for mention.

Ang's wife posted bail.