TAWAU: An Immigration officer has been charged in the Sessions Court here with 17 counts of accepting bribes amounting to RM14,250, allegedly to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals.
Kartika Dewiana Bacho, 37, who was stationed at the airport's Immigration counter, pleaded not guilty to all the charges read before Judge Jason Juga on Tuesday (Feb 18).
She was accused of receiving the money from a man, Eryano Jabar, knowing that the individual was managing the movement of foreign nationals to Kuala Lumpur through Tawau Airport Immigration inspections.
She allegedly committed the offences at various Maybank branches in Tawau between January and March 2023, and faces charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a fine or both if convicted.
The court fixed March 11 for case management and set bail at RM10,000 with one local surety, in addition to having her passport impounded.
She was also prohibited from having any contact with prosecution witnesses and ordered to report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office every two months. – Bernama
