KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): A former relationship manager at a bank has been charged at the Sessions Court here with criminal breach of trust involving RM411,442.17 belonging to a senior citizen.

       Mohd Saibulrijal Mohd Saad, 43, allegedly purchased seven gold bars without the customer's knowledge three weeks ago.

       THe accused pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before Sessions Judge Datin Sabariah Othman on Monday (Sept 27).

       Mohd Saibulrijal, who was employed by the bank at the time, was charged with withdrawing RM411,442.17 from a fixed deposit account belonging to customer Choo Lai Hock, 63, and transferring it into a current account, also belonging to the latter.

       He then made the purchase of seven gold bars worth RM376,110.72 for his own benefit, without the customer's knowledge and consent.

       The offence was allegedly committed at a bank in a shopping mall in Bangsar here between 8.52am and 4.50pm on Sept 6.

       Mohd Saibulrijal was charged under Section 408 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years and whipping, with a possible fine, upon conviction.

       The court allowed bail at RM30,000 in one surety and set Oct 27 for mention of the case.

       The prosecution was conducted by DPP Zulaaikha Mohd Apandi. – Bernama