Managing director charged with violating civil aviation rules in ‘nasi ganja’ pickup

The managing director of a company who flew a helicopter which landed at Padang Ipoh to pick up orders of the city’s famous “nasi ganja” was charged in the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court today with violating civil aviation regulations.

Mohamed Raffe K Chekku, 53, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was charged with violating the Rules of the Air as specified by the Director-General of Civil Aviation in Chapter 3 of “the Civil Aviation Directive 2 – Rules of the Air” by not complying with the submitted flight plan.

Raffe was alleged to have landed a Bell 505 aircraft with the registration number 9M-RCI at Padang Ipoh, a location other than the Aerodrome specified in the flight plan.

The offence was allegedly committed between 9.50am and 10am on July 23, 2021.

The charge, framed under Regulation 77(2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, was read out before magistrate Jesseca Daimis.

Raffe faces a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, if found guilty.

He was allowed bail of RM5,000 with one surety. The court set June 29 for mention.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Jean Sharmila Jesudason, while Raffe was represented by lawyer Baljit Singh Sidhu.