KAJANG: Two policemen claimed trial at the Magistrate's Court here for allegedly extorting RM300 from a foreigner last week.
Kpl Nik Ridzuan Nik Man, 39, and Kons Muhammad Najmi Mohd Khodhri, 27, were jointly charged on Friday (Aug 2) with deliberately extorting Myanmarese Wai Lin Phyo, 29, with the risk of arrest, inducing him to hand over RM300 to them.
The offence was allegedly committed at Jalan Taming Sari 1, Balakong, at 11.30am on July 28.
They were charged under Section 384 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years, with fines, whipping or any combination of the above if convicted.
Both pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Husna Amran offered bail at RM8,000 in one surety for each accused.
Nik Ridzuan's lawyer, Muhamad Wafiq Hadie, asked for a lower bail amount, saying that his client's bailor only brought RM4,000.
"His brother-in-law, 35, is a mechanic who earns about RM1,000 monthly.
"The maximum amount he has today is RM4,000. Their familial ties will secure the accused's attendance in court," he said, adding that bail amount should not be punitive.
Lawyer Mohd Fikah Sanusi, who represented Muhammad Najmi, also sought a lower bail.
"As of today, my client is still a policeman, and they have both given their full cooperation since investigations began.
"He is not a flight risk because they are civil servants," he said.
Magistrate Nurul Hafzan Ab Aziz fixed bail at RM4,000 in one surety for each accused.
The court also fixed Sept 3 for mention.
