MELAKA: The Federation of Malaysia Lim Associations vice-president has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to using an unrecognised Datuk Seri title.

Lim Teng Huat, 67, pleaded not guilty before judge Mohd Sabri Ismail in Mandarin yesterday. Based on the charge sheet, the accused allegedly used an unrecognised Datuk Seri with a Darjah Kurnia Paduka Seri Diraja Perak (DSDP) title.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Melaka Registrar of Societies office in Melaka Tengah district on Oct 14, 2019.

The charge is framed under Section 7(3) of the Perak Emblems, Titles and Awards (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment and punishable under Section 7(4) of the same enactment.

A maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both, may be imposed upon conviction.

The accused, who is also the chairman of the Lim Clan Association of Melaka, was represented by counsel Khaw Thian Keat while deputy public prosecutor Puteri Nor Nadia Mohamed Iqbal prosecuted.

Mohd Sabri granted bail at RM30,000 with one surety and ordered Lim to hand over his passport to the court.

The next mention date is Sept 12.