Businesswoman pleads not guilty to 16 counts of failing to pay GST

IPOH: Businesswoman Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, better known as "Dr Vida" in the business circle for her beauty and healthcare products pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of failing to make payments of RM4.2 million for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the Sessions Court here today.
She was also charged with another 16 charges of failing to submit GST statements to the Customs Department.
The entrepreneur arrived in a multi purpose vehicle at the court with media photographers clamoured to get the best shots.
The owner of Vida Beauty Sdn Bhd, dressed in a black jubah and maroon tudung did not attempt to hide her face or avoid photographers.
For the first 16 charges, she allegedly failed to pay the taxes for the period from April 2015 to July 2016 which is an offence under Section 41 (7) of the GST Act 2014.
On the second 16 charges she allegedly failed to submit the statements for the same period which is an offence under Section 41 (6) of the same Act.
Hasmiza from Meru Hill allegedly committed both the offences at the GST division of Wisma Kastam at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak here.
Judge Murtazadi Amran set bail of RM60,000 for each of the first 16 charges and RM50,000 for each of the second 16 charges.
The bail, totalling RM1.76 million was set with one surety each.
The judge also ordered the accused's passport to be surrendered to the court.
Earlier Murtazadi told the court: "After hearing reasons from both sides I cannot impose a high bail and if she fails to raise the amount it will affect the accused's family and business outlets which employed 200 workers.
"At the same time a lower bail will not be appropriate given the seriousness of the offence," he added.
The charges under Section 41(7) and Section 41(6) of the GST Act 2014 provide a maximum fine of RM50,000 or three years imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan and Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran from the Customs Department led the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Khairilazwar Khalil and Syed Ahmad Syed Abas.
Farah Ezlin had earlier urged the court to impose RM100,000 for each of the 32 charges as the the offence deprived the country of revenue and affected the interests of the nation.
However, Khairilazwar appealed for the bail to be reduced to RM3,000 for each of the 32 charges.
"My client is a businesswoman with two children aged nine and 11 and operate 40 sales outlets with 200 workers.
"Bail is to ensure the accused will attend court proceedings and her presence is needed to run the business smoothly," he added.
The court fixed Nov 15 for mention.