Court grants RM20,000 bail after company director allegedly misled DOE in 2022 deal.

A Chinese national company director has pleaded not guilty in Johor’s Sessions Court to charges of deceiving the state Environment Department (DOE) in connection with a container purchase three years ago.

Alleged Deception in Container Deal

The accused, Chen Zhenlong, 48, allegedly misled Johor DOE officials on January 19, 2022, by claiming that four shipping containers belonged to J.B. Goodcare Recycle Sdn Bhd instead of his own company, Ascent Asia Industries Sdn Bhd.

Charges Under Penal Code

Prosecutors stated the deception prevented enforcement action against Ascent Asia under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Chen has been charged under Section 417 of the Penal Code read with Section 109, which provides for up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Prosecution Pushes for High Bail

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) prosecutor Rais Adha Ramli requested bail be set at RM20,000, citing Chen’s foreign nationality and potential flight risk.

Defence Requests Reduction

Chen’s counsel, Jeremy Chan, argued for lower bail, highlighting that his client is a permanent resident in Johor Baru, operates a local business, and supports his family in China.

Court Ruling

Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail maintained bail at RM20,000 with one surety and fixed October 29 as the next mention date. The charge was read to Chen in Mandarin, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The case underscores Malaysia’s scrutiny of environmental compliance and corporate accountability. With trial proceedings set to continue in October, the outcome will be closely watched by both regulators and businesses operating in Johor’s industrial sector.

Sources: New Straits Times (2025) , The Vibes (2025)

Keywords: Johor Court, Chinese Director, DOE Cheating, Container Deal, Environmental Quality Act, Malaysia Prosecutor