A Public Works Department operations assistant in Tawau denies 39 counts of accepting RM30,000 in bribes to neglect road repair supervision duties.

TAWAU: An operations assistant at the Public Works Department (JKR) pleaded not guilty to 39 charges of accepting RM30,000 in bribes.

Abdul Rahim Salleh, 59, was accused of neglecting his supervision of road repairs in Tawau between 2020 and 2022.

He entered his plea before Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus today.

The charges allege he received deposits ranging from RM200 to RM1,500 from a company’s account manager and site supervisor.

The funds were allegedly paid into his bank account between May 2020 and August 2022.

The bribes were purportedly to induce him to refrain from monitoring the company’s construction works.

Abdul Rahim served as the contract assistant supervisor for a road maintenance project at the time.

He was charged under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The offence carries a potential 20-year jail term and a heavy fine.

The court set the case for remention on May 11.

Bail was granted at RM40,000 with a RM15,000 deposit and two local sureties.

Judge Elsie also imposed several strict conditions on the accused.

He must report monthly to the MACC office in Tawau.

He is also prohibited from interfering with witnesses or applying for a passport.

Deputy public prosecutor Wardah Ishhar prosecuted the case.

The accused was represented by lawyer Nur Hafizah Husna Elahab.

 The Sun Malaysia