In a significant legal development, four enforcement assistants from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) appeared before the Sessions Court, facing serious allegations of accepting bribes totalling RM39,750. The accused—Rahi Shamudin Ishak, 51; Mat Hafizan Abdullah, 42; Ahmad Shahremy Ahmad Damanhuri, 40; and Mohd Sufian Hashim, 38—each entered not guilty pleas as their individual charges were read by Judge Datuk Anita Harun.
Rahi Shamudin Ishak stands accused of 42 counts of bribery, with amounts ranging from RM400 to RM2,000, allegedly received over a span from December 1, 2017, to April 4, 2023. Mat Hafizan Abdullah faces four charges, with accusations of accepting bribes totalling RM300 between July 3, 2020, and June 3, 2021.
Ahmad Shahremy Ahmad Damanhuri was charged with a single count of accepting a bribe of RM5,000 on May 4, 2018, whereas Mohd Sufian Hashim faces two counts: one for RM850 on June 30, 2018, and another for RM400 on April 24, 2023. These offences were allegedly carried out at various bank branches situated in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, Taman Sri Serdang, and Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.
The crux of the accusations revolves around the claim that the four men received bribes from the 38-year-old owner of Kalos Enterprise through online transfers. These payments were purportedly made to ensure that the company's cargo trucks leaving KLIA Cargo were not subjected to inspection.
Charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 [Act 694], the accused faces severe penalties if convicted. This section mandates a maximum imprisonment of 20 years or a fine, as stipulated under Section 24(1) of the same act, reflecting the gravity of the corruption charges.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Afif Ali led the prosecution in the 28 May proceedings. Representing the defendants, counsel Mohd Hezri Shaharil appeared for Rahi, Mat Hafizan, and Mohd Sufian, while Muhamad Aizat Fakri defended Ahmad Shahremy.
The court granted bail to the accused with varying sums: Rahi at RM30,000, Mat Hafizan at RM10,000, and both Ahmad Shahremy and Mohd Sufian at RM8,000 each. Each bail was set with one surety, and the court has scheduled the case for remention on July 11, allowing time for further legal preparations.
This case underscores the Malaysian government's ongoing battle against corruption within its ranks, particularly within influential departments such as the customs. The outcome of these proceedings will be closely watched as a barometer of the nation’s commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in public service.
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