Nordin Ibrohim, 77, was accused of accepting the bribes from Sung Chang Asia Pte Ltd director Kim Jong Kwa.

The funds were allegedly transferred to his account as a reward for assisting the Singaporean firm in securing its appointment by Nafas as a fertiliser supplier for padi farmers, Bernama reported.

Nordin was accused of committing the offence at a bank in Plaza Mont Kiara between Nov 16 and Dec 21, 2022.

The charges were framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act.

Section 24 of the MACC Act provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not more than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

MACC prosecuting officer Abdul Muntaqim Abdul Aziz asked for bail of between RM200,000 and RM300,000 with one surety.

“This is not an ordinary offence as it involves government funds. When corruption occurs, it impacts job opportunities and investments, and complicates business procedures,” Muntaqim told the court.

Zamri Idrus, representing Nordin, asked for a lower bail saying his client, a retiree, supports his family and suffers from diabetes.

Judge Rosli Ahmad fixed Feb 26 for case mention and set bail at RM100,000 with one surety.

Rosli also ordered Nordin to refrain from tampering with witnesses. Nordin was also ordered to report to the MACC office once a month and to surrender his passport pending the conclusion of the case.