Mohd Saibulrijal Mohd Saad, 43, pleaded not guilty after the charges against him were read before judge Sabariah Othman.

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

He then made the purchase of seven gold bars weighing 1.5kg worth RM376,110.72 for his own benefit, without Choo’s knowledge and consent.

The offence under Section 408 of the Penal Code was allegedly committed at a bank in a shopping mall in Bangsar, here, between 8.52am and 4.50pm on Sept 6.

Saibulrijal faces a maximum jail term of 14 years and whipping, and a fine, if he is convicted.

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

Deputy public prosecutor Zulaaikha Mohd Apandi prosecuted the case.