Kuala Terengganu: A former Administration and Human Resources Division manager at Ladang Rakyat Terengganu Sdn Bhd has been sentenced to one day in jail and fined RM22,143 by the Sessions Court for abusing his position to solicit a bribe of RM4,428.60. The sentencing took place today as Judge Mohd Azhar Othman delivered the punishment following the guilty plea by 48-year-old Shahrizal Ridzuan Ambak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrizal Ridzuan was accused of abusing his position by supplying SIM cards, valued at RM4,428.60, to 117 Indian farm workers at Ladang Rakyat Terengganu, Cheneh, near Kemaman, between July and September 2022. The involvement of Shahrizal Ridzuan's son as the supplier of the SIM cards highlighted his personal interest in the transaction.

The charge against Shahrizal Ridzuan was framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. This section stipulates a potential prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever amount is greater.

During the court proceedings, MACC prosecuting officer Nur Mahirah Mohd Fauzi represented the prosecution, while Shahrizal Ridzuan was defended by lawyer Mohd Hazwan Hamidun.