Two staff members of the Pahang Land and Mines Department (PTG), pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Kuantan today to receiving a RM8,500 bribe from an illegal bauxite miner, two weeks ago.

The pleas by Mohd Nurfirdaus Rahmad, 28, and Abdul Rahim Sulaiman, 53, were recorded before judge Habibah Mohamed Yusof after the charges were read out to them separately.

Mohd Nurfirdaus, a general assistant at the state PTG, is alleged to have received the bribe in cash from Anurul Hiraq Abu Bakar, 33, at 6.05pm on Jan 6 at Lorong Bukit Ubi 26, Bukit Sekilau in Kuantan.

Abdul Rahim, a land administrative assistant, was charged with abetting Mohd Nurfirdaus in committing the offence at 9.16pm on the same date at No 12, Lorong IM15/26, Taman Indera Mahkota in Kuantan.

The bribe is believed for giving protection to Anurul Hiraq by way of selling 50 mineral transfer forms (13D Form) with the series number PTG(M)/13D 1172260 to PTG(M)13D 1172309, to enable bauxite to be brought in illegally to Kuantan Port.

Deputy public prosecutor from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Syafinas Shabudin prosecuted in the case under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The offence is punishable under Section 24 of the same act, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Mohd Nurfirdaus, from Kampung Serengkam, Maran, asked for the bail of RM10,000 in one surety offered by the prosecution, be reduced as he is a married man.

“My wife is in an advanced stage of pregnancy and my monthly income is only over RM800. I appeal that the court set the minimum bail for me,” said Mohd Nurfirdaus, who appeared calm throughout the proceeding.

Abdul Rahim, from Sungai Isap Damai in Kuantan, also asked for the bail be reduced, reasoning that he had eight dependants to fend for on his RM3,000 monthly salary.

Judge Habibah allowed bail of RM4,000 in one surety each and set Feb 15 for case mention. Both the accused paid the bail.

- Bernama