Former Felda DG claims trial over Jalan Semarak land transfer

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 30 — Former Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) director-general Datuk Faizoull Ahmad has pleaded not guilty to a cheating charge involving a power of attorney linked to 16 parcels of Felda land in Jalan Semarak.

Faizoull, 66, claimed trial before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin on Wednesday, Sept 30.

According to the charge, Faizoull allegedly concealed from Felda’s board that a power of attorney dated June 3, 2014, authorised Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd to transfer ownership of the parcels involved in the proposed Felda Lot Development Project.

The alleged concealment reportedly induced the board to approve the power of attorney, resulting in the land being transferred to Synergy Promenade KLVC Sdn Bhd and Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd. Prosecutors contend that the board would not have granted its approval had it known the relevant information.

The offence was allegedly committed during a board meeting at Menara Felda in Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, on Sept 2, 2014.

Bail set at RM70,000

Faizoull was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.

The court granted him bail of RM70,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and report to the nearest Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office once a month.

The case was fixed for management on Nov 6.

Deputy public prosecutor N Joy Jothi had sought bail of RM100,000 with one surety, along with the passport and monthly reporting conditions.

Defence counsel Datuk Sukri Mohamed requested a lower bail amount, saying Faizoull had cooperated with investigators since 2018 and had previously posted RM100,000 in MACC bail after being remanded earlier in September.

Sukri also told the court that Faizoull was acquitted by the Court of Appeal in 2025 of two charges of abetting a former senior Felda officer in a criminal breach of trust case involving RM47 million.

Former FIC CEO faces related charges

Faizoull’s charge came a day after former Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil pleaded not guilty to two cheating charges connected to the proposed development of Felda land along Jalan Semarak.

The first charge alleges that Mohd Zaid misled FIC’s board about Synergy Promenade’s eligibility to be appointed as the project delivery partner–master developer.

The second concerns representations about the valuation of 24 Felda-owned parcels. He allegedly presented a valuation of RM330.96 million despite knowing that the valuer’s reported assessment was RM691.7 million.

Both charges were framed under Section 417 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment of up to five years, a fine or both upon conviction.

Mohd Zaid was granted bail of RM60,000 with one surety and ordered to surrender his passport and report to MACC monthly. His case is scheduled for mention on Oct 29.