A FORMER headmaster of a religious school claimed trial in the Shah Alam Sessions Court today to charges of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to RM164,800.

Offences were allegedly in relation to a project for maintenance and upgrading of buildings and infrastructure for religious schools in Selangor.

Kamaludin Sahlan, 50, made the plea before judge Rozilah Salleh.

On the first charge, Kamaludin, who is now with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department education unit, was charged with corruptly soliciting 11% of the value of the project from one Romzi Sirok as an incentive for him to help secure the project for the latter.

He was also charged with receiving RM164,800 through his CIMB Islamic account from Romzi as an inducement to help the latter secure the project.

The offences were allegedly committed at 33, Jalan Duku 5, Taman Seri Medan, Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd Kota Kemuning Branch, Shah Alam between May 2019 and January 12 to April 21, 2021.

The charges were framed under section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and fine of up to five times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Judge Rozilah set bail at RM30,000 with one surety and also ordered Kamaludin to surrender his passport to the court. The accused also has to report himself at the nearest MACC office on the first week of every month.

MACC prosecuting officer Mohd Aliff Shaharuzaman prosecuted, while Kamaludin was represented by lawyer Mohd Shahrullah Khan Nawab Zadah Khan. 

The court set January 26 for mention. – Bernama, December 22, 2022.