NRD registration assistant fined RM8,000 for accepting bribe

KUALA LUMPUR - A senior registration assistant at the National Registration Department (NRD) was fined RM8,000, in default six months in jail, by the Sessions Court here today, for accepting RM2,000 as gratification for helping to speed up the issuance of an identification card of a teenage boy three years ago.

Judge Azura Alwi meted out the fine on Wan Zulfadli Wan Zain, 42, after he pleaded guilty to an alternative charge. He paid the fine.

Before meting out the sentence, the judge told him to repent and not repeat the mistake.

"You should be grateful because you are given a lighter charge than the one under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACC). I hope you make the most of the opportunity, improve yourself and start a new life," she said.

Wan Zulfadli, who is married with two children, was charged as a senior registration assistant Grade KP22 who is on duty at JPN, UTC Pudu here, with receiving a bribe of RM2,000 from one Sim Eng Hua, 60, through another person as a reward for helping to speed up the process of issuing an identity card for his 17-year-old adopted son whose birth documents were doubtful.

The offence was committed at a food stall next to Hotel Ancasa, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock here, on Oct 6 2020.

The charge was framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code which provides imprisonment for up to two years or a fine or both, upon conviction.

During mitigation, Wan Zulfadli, unrepresented, requested a low fine, saying that he was the sole breadwinner of the family and that his wife was visually impaired and unemployed.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Diana Nor Azwa prosecuted. - BERNAMA