M'sian woman, 47, allegedly misappropriates over S$216,000 from company, cries & nearly collapses in court

A 47-year-old female financial assistant in Malaysia, who allegedly misappropriated RM670,000 (around S$216,000) from her company, broke down in tears and nearly collapsed during a recent court appearance.

The defendant, Lee Li Ping (transliterated), faced four charges of breach of trust on Mar. 11, 2026, Sin Chew Daily reported, adding that she pleaded guilty to all charges.

Lee was granted a total bail of RM38,000 (around S$12,200).

First charge

One charge alleged that between Jan. 13, 2020 and Apr. 5, 2020, Lee, who was working as a financial assistant at a company, misappropriated RM219,885 (around S$70,950) and thus violated Section 408 of the Penal Code.

Sin Chew Daily reported that during Lee's bail application, she tearfully stated that she was a single mother with two children aged 17 and 18.

Lee added that she was seeking an out-of-court settlement with the company, where she would try to repay the debt.

The judge subsequently granted her bail of RM8,000 (around S$2,580).

Other charges

On her way to the second courtroom, Lee nearly collapsed, Sin Chew Daily reported, adding that her legs appeared to have given way.

Images show that she required the assistance of officers and had to rest on a chair before entering the courtroom.

Lee then faced three additional charges.

The first charge alleged that she misappropriated RM104,769 (around S$33,800) from the same company between Jun. 16, 2017 and Dec. 8, 2017.

The second charge alleged that between Jan. 8, 2018 and Dec. 13, 2018, she misappropriated RM131,044.50 (around S$42,285).

The third charge alleged that Lee misappropriated RM221,931 (around S$71,600) between Jan. 25, 2019 and Dec. 27, 2019.

After Lee pleaded guilty to all three charges and requested bail, the prosecution initially recommended bail of RM30,000 (around S$9,680) per charge.

The judge subsequently granted Lee bail of RM10,000 (around S$3,220) for each charge.

Penalties

If convicted, Lee could face up to 14 years' jail, as well as a fine and caning.

Following this, the case is scheduled for hearings on Apr. 22 and Apr. 14, respectively.

Top photos via Sin Chew Daily