The accused, Khairul Paizi Ahmad, 49, was charged with sending a text via the short messaging system (SMS) to Mohd Anizal Abdul Tasli, 46, a boat owner, asking for a RM3,000 bribe as an inducement not to report him to the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM).

He allegedly sent the text at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Perlis office in Wisma Persekutuan, here, on June 13, 2016, at 12.06pm.

According to the charge, the report if lodged, could have resulted in Mohd Anizal losing his diesel fuel subsidies for fishing boats, and having to return his fishing boat licence and equipment to LKIM.

Khairul Paizi was also charged with accepting RM3,000 from Mohd Anizal as an inducement for the same purpose, at the Bukit Kubu Recreational Park, Kuala Perlis, near here, at 1.55pm on the same day.

He was charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and if found guilty, can be sentenced up to 20 years’ jail and a fine not less than five times the value of the bribe.

Meanwhile, in the same court, Khairul Paizi’s colleague, Hizir Said, 43, was accused of abetting him in committing the offence at the same place, time and date.

Hizir faces a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe, if convicted.

MACC deputy public prosecutor A Hafiizh Abu Bakar prosecuted, while both accused were not represented.

Judge Rusita Md Lazim allowed Khairul Paizi bail of RM10,000 in one surety, while Hizir was allowed bail of RM7,000 in one surety. She fixed Nov 22 for mention of the case.