BUTTERWORTH: A Bangladesh national linked to a counter setting syndicate pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribes at the Sessions Court here on Thursday (Oct 24).
Alif Khan, 35, claimed trial to the charges read to him before Sessions Court Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
He is accused of soliciting the bribe of RM2,000 from Endang Ristawati as an inducement to assist in removing her name from the Immigration blacklist.
The offence allegedly took place on Oct 17, 2024, between 9.20pm to 9.45pm outside of a hotel at Penang Road.
The charge under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of either five times the bribery amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.
MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Afiqa Liyana Rozman, who prosecuted the case, requested the court not to offer bail to the accused as the case is serious and a threat to national security.
Lawyer Lim Sheng Zhe representing the accused, however, asked the court to offer bail to his client as the accused has cooperated well in the investigation.
Judge Zulhazmi did not offer any bail to the accused and set Nov 20 for mention and submission of documents.
It is believed the accused, who is an agent, conspired with two Immigration officers alleged to have allowed the entry of an Indonesian citizen without the requisite Immigration checks at Penang International Airport.
