The managing director of a Sabah government-linked company has been charged at the Sessions Court in Kota Kinabalu today with criminal breach of trust of RM8,999,999.30.

George @ Juaari Majid, who was Lembaga Kemajuan Negeri Sabah (SLDB) managing director, allegedly committed the offence through four transactions to palm oil plantation owner How Kim San, without the knowledge of the board or the Sabah Finance Minister.

He was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, while How was charged under Section 109, read together with Section 409, for abetting the crime.

Juaari, 63, allegedly paid How compensation for land and crops at Kampund Babason, Sook, Keningau Sabah, when the 165.92ha land compensated for actually belongs to the state.

They allegedly committed the offence at Wisma Sabah Land Development between Mar 22 and Aug 14, 2013.

Both accused can be jailed for no less than two years and no more than 20 years, and fined.

Judge Abu Bakar Manat set bail at RM100,000 with two sureties per accused, with both accused told to surrender their passports.

The case is set for mention on Oct 27.