Immigration Checks Confirmed in Probe of Azlan Man’s Overseas Travel Claims, Court Told
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court was informed that investigators verified overseas travel claims made by former Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man using official immigration records, including trips to London between 2013 and 2017.
Testifying under cross-examination, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer Mohamad Safwan Arbangi said checks with the Immigration Department were conducted to confirm whether the travel cited in the claims had actually taken place.
Entitlement and compliance under scrutiny
The 19th prosecution witness agreed with defence counsel Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid that Azlan’s overseas travel entitlement during the period was limited to London.
He acknowledged that claiming expenses for trips that did not occur would constitute an offence.
When pressed on whether immigration data had been reviewed to verify the journeys, Safwan confirmed that such verification had been carried out.
Procedures governing travel claims
The court also heard that the requirement to refund money for cancelled trips was based on administrative procedures rather than specific statutory provisions.
During re-examination, deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat highlighted that Azlan had submitted multiple travel applications using Local Order forms over several years.
Safwan explained that all such applications were subject to procedures enforced by the Perlis State Secretary’s Office and required full compliance.
He further stated that the investigation had been conducted thoroughly.
Charges involve false claims and alleged illicit gains
Azlan, 67, faces multiple charges, including five counts of allegedly submitting false claims exceeding RM1.18 million for overseas travel arrangements.
The claims involved quotations for London-bound flights and invoices issued by travel agencies.
He is also charged with receiving RM1.06 million believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities between 2014 and 2017 at various locations, including financial institutions and a hotel.
Additionally, five alternative charges accuse him of misappropriating the same amount from state funds linked to payments made to travel service providers.
Trial to resume later this month
The charges are brought under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, and the Penal Code, all of which carry heavy penalties upon conviction.
The trial, before Judge Azura Alwi, is scheduled to continue on April 30.
-wilayah.com.my
