Kuala lumpur: A former managing director of an oil and gas company appeared in the Sessions Court today, pleading not guilty to charges of abusing her position to appoint her husband as an advisor without the necessary company approval.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Farah Sabryna Nasarudin, 46, is accused of utilizing her position at Asiapac Oil and Gas Sdn Bhd to install her husband, Daniel Frederick Wall, as a technical advisor. The appointment allegedly bypassed the required ratification of the company's general meeting. Furthermore, she is accused of authorizing the transfer of RM786,209.30 into her personal bank account, intended for the benefit of both her and her husband.

The charges specify that the alleged offences occurred at the company's office on Jalan Sentral, Brickfields, between January 27, 2021, and July 28, 2023. Under Section 218(1)(d) of the Companies Act 2016, the charges could result in a maximum jail term of five years or a fine not exceeding RM3 million, or both, upon conviction.

Judge Hamidah Mohamed Deril granted Farah Sabryna Nasarudin bail set at RM20,000 with one surety and scheduled the case for mention on September 3. The prosecution in this case is led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Shakila Mohd Shariff, while lawyer A. Narainasami represents the accused.