Former Manager Of MHHSB Claims Trial To Corruption Charges

MELAKA, April 14 (Bernama) -- A former administrative manager of Melaka Halal Hub Sdn Bhd (MHHSB) pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to two charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes in the form of insurance commissions amounting to over RM2,000 three years ago.

Erwan Abdul Aziz, 45, was charged in his capacity as an officer of a public body with using his position to secure a commission of RM1,096.57 by proposing a quotation from a company owned by his wife, who had been appointed as an insurance agent.

The appointment involved the procurement of fire insurance for MHHSB, with a premium of RM7,310.48 for coverage worth RM6 million.

For the second charge, he is accused of committing a similar offence by obtaining a commission of RM1,102.20 through a proposal to appoint his wife as an agent for another insurance company to provide fire insurance services for MHHSB, with a premium of RM7,348 for the same coverage.

Both offences were allegedly committed at the MHHSB office in Jasin on Sept 27, 2022, and Sept 27, 2023.

The charge, under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009,  provides a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.

Judge Elesabet Paya Wan allowed the accused bail of RM15,000 with one surety and also ordered him to surrender his passport and report to the MACC Melaka Headquarters once a month pending disposal of the case.

She also set May 14 for mention.

MACC prosecuting officers Noor Julieana Yahaya and Nur Syakila Yaacob appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer Ishak Mohd Kari represented the accused.

-- BERNAMA