Man fined RM5,000 for RM50 bribe

IPOH : An 18-year-old mechanic, who offered a RM50 bribe to a policeman for not wearing a crash helmet, was fined RM5,000 in default five months’ jail by the sessions court yesterday.

The teenager pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug 10.

The court then ordered for a social evaluation report by the Welfare Department before sentencing him.

Judge S. Indera Nehru said, “after listening to the plea, social report and appeal by the lawyer a fine of RM5,000 is imposed in default five months’ jail.”

The youngster had offered a RM50 bribe to Lance Corporal Mohd Farid Ahmad in front of SRJKC Hwa Lian, Pasir Bogak, Pangkor, at 2pm on April 18 as an inducement for not issuing a summons for not wearing a crash helmet.

He was charged under Section 214 of the Penal Code. The offence carries a maximum 10-year jail term or a fine or both.

DPP Nurul Wahida Jalaluddin from the MACC asked the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent since corruption is widespread among youths.

In mitigation, counsel Kenny Lai Choe Ken from the National Legal Aid Foundation said his client is a first-time offender earning RM600 monthly.

“As a youngster and not going to prison will ensure a future for him and reflect the court’s mercy.” – by P. Chandra Sagaran