28-05-2025
RM95 bribe to policeman costs Myanmar restaurant worker RM5k fine
BUTTERWORTH: A Myanmar restaurant worker was fined RM5,000 by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to offering a bribe of RM95 to a policeman in a bid to avoid legal action for riding a motorcycle without a valid licence.
The accused, Han Tun, was also ordered to serve two months in jail in default of payment.
According to the charge, which was read out in English by a court interpreter before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah, Han had offered RM95 in cash to Constable Uzairuddin Azizi Che Omar.
The money was offered as an inducement for the officer not to take action under Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which makes it an offence to ride a motorcycle without a valid driving licence.
The offence took place at about 6.30pm last Thursday along Jalan Burma here.
For the offence, Han was charged under Section 214 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
In pressing for a deterrent sentence, Nurnajihatul Idayu urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence and the need to send a clear message to the public.
Han, in pleading for leniency, expressed remorse and appealed for a chance to rebuild his life.
Before handing down the sentence, Judge Zulhazmi said corruption was among the most serious crimes, both in Malaysia and globally, and must be addressed firmly.
The court then imposed a RM5,000 fine, with a two-month jail term in default.
