The Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced a 50-year-old local to 13 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a charge of corruption under Section 6(a), Chapter 131 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to prosecutor Shamshuddin bin Haji Kamaluddin, investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) uncovered that on March 4, 2020, Duraman bin Haji Japar, who was then serving as a senior immigration officer in the Immigration and National Registration Department, attempted to obtain a bribe of BND1,500 in exchange for facilitating the approval of an entry permit for a foreign national. After the completion of the investigation, Duraman was charged in the Magistrate’s Court.
Although he initially claimed trial, he later pleaded guilty to the offence.
Acting Chief Magistrate Harnita Zelda Skinner emphasised the gravity of the offence, noting that Duraman had abused his position of trust as a senior immigration officer. The serious breach of duty warranted a custodial sentence.
Haji Daud bin Ismail represented the defendant. – Fadley Faisal
