Dungun: A former quantity surveyor at the Dungun Municipal Council faced charges in the Sessions Court today, accused of abusing his position for personal gain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammad Hanif Ahmad, aged 41, pleaded not guilty and requested a trial before Judge Mohd Azhar Othman. The charges against him involve leveraging his role as a member of the Tender and Quotation Evaluation Committee to recommend Yusha Timur Business, a company owned by his parents, for a contract worth RM150,000. The contract was related to the construction of an animal shelter at Taman Rimba, Bandar Bukit Bauk in Dungun, with the alleged offence taking place in April and May 2019 at the Dungun Municipal Council office.

The charge falls under Section 23 (1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. If convicted, the penalty could include a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of either RM10,000 or five times the value of the bribe, whichever is higher.

The court granted Mohammad Hanif bail set at RM6,000 with one surety. Additionally, he is required to report to the nearest MACC office monthly, refrain from intimidating witnesses, and surrender his passport. The court has scheduled July 29 for the next mention, focusing on the submission of documents.

The prosecution team was led by MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Rabiatul Addawiah Mohd Noorlee and MACC Prosecuting Officer Nur Raihan Mohd Yusof. Lawyer Ahmad Nur Faid Afiq Aziz represented the accused.