Nurse claims trial to forging 10 medical certificates

PEKAN: A nurse claimed trial at the magistrate's court here today to forging 10 medical certificates (MCs) at a community clinic earlier this year.

Zaleha Ismail, 55, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before magistrate Melody Woon Sze Mun.

She was charged with forging 10 medical certificates purportedly issued by a medical officer at the Kuala Pahang Community Clinic between March 1 and April 27 this year.

The mother-of-two, clad in a green baju kurung, told the court interpreter that she understood the charge and claimed trial.

Zaleha, who was on police bail, arrived at the court complex earlier with several family members.

The charge was framed under Section 466 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum seven-year jail term and a fine upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Siti Sarah Aqilah Lokman said the prosecution did not intend to offer bail as the offence was non-bailable, although the court had the discretion to grant it.

"Given the seriousness of the offence, the prosecution proposes bail of RM15,000 with one surety," she said.

Defence lawyer Ahmad Deniel Roslan sought a lower amount, saying his client earned RM3,500 a month as a nurse.

"Her husband has suffered a stroke, and she is the family's sole breadwinner. She is also prepared to comply with additional conditions," he said.

Woon granted bail of RM10,000 with one surety and fixed Nov 23 for mention.

She also ordered Zaleha to report to the Pekan police station every Wednesday until the case was concluded.