Norazam Abdul Hameed, 52, pleaded not guilty to the charge read out to him before judge Azman Ahmad.

Norazam is charged with agreeing to receive gratification amounting to RM10,000 from Mohd Rizal Kassim as an inducement to recommend MRA Sustainable Solution for audit work to obtain the ISCC for Kompleks Keratong 9, Kompleks Palong Timur, Kompleks Maokil, Kompleks Bukit Sagu, Kompleks Lepar Hilir, Kompleks Serting Hilir, Kompleks Lepar Utara 06 and Kompleks Serting, belonging to FGV Palm Industries Sdn Bhd.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office here between 3.45am and 3.55pm on March 1 last year.

The charge is framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same law, which provides for up to 20 years in jail and a fine of not less than five times the amount of gratification sought or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.

The court allowed Norazam bail of RM7,000 with one surety and ordered him to report at the MACC office once a month. It also set Nov 20 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Diana Azwa prosecuted, and Norazam was represented by lawyer Mohd Hisyam Mad Nen.