Customs officers ordered to defend against graft charges

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KOTA KINABALU: The Sessions Court here yesterday ordered two Customs enforcement personnel to enter their defence on charges of asking and receiving bribes.

Judge Caroline Bee Majanil, in ordering Customs enforcement assistant Alzendra K. Johnny Upin and senior Customs enforcement assistant Ajin Sollunda, 51, to enter their defence, ruled that the prosecution had established a case against the duo.

The court set September 8 to 9 this year for them to make their defence.

On the first count, Alzendra and Ajin are accused of corruptly asking one Sim Khang Vui for RM18,000 as an inducement not to take action against an alleged smuggled car.

The duo allegedly committed the offence at MJ Corners Restaurant in Berungis, Tuaran between 2.30pm and 3pm on Feb 11, 2010.

On the second count, they were accused of receiving RM5,000 bribe from the same person for the same purpose in front of Milimewa Superstore in Jalan SESB at 4.30pm on the same day.

Meanwhile, Alzendra is also accused of receiving another RM6,000 bribe from Sim at the MJ Corners Restaurant about 6.20pm on March 4, 2010.

Alzendra and Ajin claimed trial on October 25, 2010 and are currently released on bail pending the disposal of the case.

The trial started in March this year with the prosecution calling 23 witnesses before closing its case.

Counsel Hamid Ismail, who acted for both accused, informed the court that the defence would be calling four witnesses.

Prosecuting officer Claire Abbie from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, stood in for prosecuting officer Micheal Joimin.