KUALA LUMPUR: The principal assistant director of a Putrajaya Agriculture Department division pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here Tuesday (May 5) to 11 charges of receiving RM56,200 from two company directors connected with his official duties, three years ago.
Mohamad Nizam Malik, 48, who serves as an agricultural officer at the Crop Industry Development Division, was charged with two counts of receiving valuable items without consideration for himself, namely RM25,700 from Zainal Md Nadzri, chairman of Koperasi Usahawan Alam Shah Berhad (KOSHAH), via online transfer.
He was also charged with nine further counts of receiving valuable items without consideration for himself, namely RM30,500 from Shiz Mohammad Mohd Kassim, a director of Orchidmas Sdn Bhd, through an individual, knowing both individuals were connected with his official duties.
The offences were allegedly committed at a bank in Shaftsbury Putrajaya Avenue and an area in Precinct 14, Putrajaya, between June 8, 2023, and March 5, 2025.
He was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of two years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Prosecuting officer Mohamad Safari Abdullah offered bail of RM20,000 with one surety for all charges, with additional conditions that the accused not interfere with prosecution witnesses, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office once a month, and surrender his passport to the court until the case is resolved.
The accused's lawyer, Mohammad Ariffin Abd Wahab, applied for a lower bail of RM8,000 on the grounds that his client has no income as he has been suspended from duty and his salary has been withheld following the investigation against him.
He submitted that his client has a wife and five children, three of whom are still at university. He also asked the court to consider that the accused has served nearly 25 years and contributed to the nation.
"The accused also does not pose a flight risk as he has been declared a bankrupt since 2021, and is prepared to accept all additional conditions by the prosecution," he said.
Judge Suzana Hussin allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM13,000 for all charges, along with the additional conditions sought by the prosecution, and set June 8 for further case mention. - Bernama
