Seberang jaya: Two directors of a company involved in the manufacturing and marketing of prayer items were charged at the Sessions Court today with 18 counts of failing to pay sales tax amounting to more than RM16,000. Moganadass Virachami, 45, and his mother, Saroja Devi Subramaniam, 65, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial after the charges were read out before Judge Irwan Suainbon.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Moganadass and Saroja Devi, as directors of KVS Industries Sdn Bhd, are accused of failing to pay sales tax for 18 taxable periods between March 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. The total arrears and penalties amount to RM16,145.44. The alleged offences took place at the Registration and Revenue Management Enforcement Branch Office at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Complex in Seberang Jaya, between June 1, 2021, and February 1, 2024.

They were charged under Section 26(5) of the Sales Tax Act 2018 (Act 806), read together with Section 26(9) of the same Act. The charges carry a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine, up to three years of imprisonment, or both upon conviction. The prosecution is being conducted by Royal Customs Department prosecuting officer Karthy Gasedev Deva Rajoo. Both accused are currently unrepresented in court.

The court has fixed May 18 for mention to allow for the submission of documents and the appointment of legal counsel.