JKR Operations Assistant Charged Over 39 Bribery Counts

TAWAU, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- An operations assistant at the Public Works Department (JKR) pleaded not guilty today to 39 charges of accepting RM30,000 in bribes to neglect supervision of road repairs in Tawau between 2020 and 2022.

 Abdul Rahim Salleh, 59, entered his plea before Judge Elsie Primus.

He was accused of receiving deposits ranging from RM200 to RM1,500 from the account manager and site supervisor of Caserina Development Sdn Bhd into his bank account.

The offences allegedly took place between May 1, 2020, and Aug 1, 2022, at a bank on Jalan Utara.

The bribes were purportedly to induce Abdul Rahim, who also served as contract assistant supervisor for HQ.46/2019(S), the Maintenance of Jalan Sungai Mas, Jalan Maria, and Jalan Mull, to refrain from monitoring and supervising the company’s construction works.

He was charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

The court set the case for remention on May 11 and granted bail of RM40,000 with a RM15,000 deposit and two local sureties.

Judge Elsie also imposed conditions requiring the accused to report monthly to the MACC Tawau office, refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses, and not apply for a passport or other travel documents.

Deputy public prosecutor Wardah Ishhar appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Nur Hafizah Husna Elahab.

-- BERNAMA