Business · Malaysia Bureau
Two charged with RM18,000 gold mining graft plead not guilty
A civil servant and former mining company chief executive have entered not guilty pleas to corruption charges in Sabah. The pair are accused of soliciting and receiving bribes totalling RM18,000 related to gold mining operations.
LSN Malaysia ·
KOTA KINABALU — A government employee and ex-chief executive officer have pleaded not guilty to graft charges before the Sessions Court here, denying allegations that they solicited and received RM18,000 in bribes connected to gold mining activities in Sabah.
The two accused face multiple charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, with authorities alleging the improper transactions occurred during the course of official duties related to mining oversight and licensing matters.
The case marks the latest in a series of corruption prosecutions targeting public officials and private sector executives in the resource-rich state. The Sessions Court hearing proceeded with both defendants maintaining their innocence as proceedings continue.
Investigations into the matter were conducted by MACC officers, with the anti-graft agency stepping up scrutiny of irregular payments in Sabah's mining sector. The court has scheduled further case management sessions to determine the timeline for trial proceedings.
Both accused have been granted bail pending trial, with conditions imposed by the court. The case underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen governance in the state's natural resource industries.