Assistant engineer claims trial to six counts of abusing power

KUCHING: A Rural Water Supply Department assistant engineer claimed trial in a magistrate’s court here yesterday to six charges of abuse of power.

Jamal Abdullah, 48, was arrested on Wednesday after his statement was recorded at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office here.

Magistrate Nixon Kennedy Kumbong released Jamal on RM25,000 bail in two sureties after fixing Sept 24 for further mention of the case, and Oct 29 to Nov 2 for the trial.

He also ordered for Jamal to surrender his passport to the court.

Jamal allegedly used his office or position for gratification and illegally gained RM40,000 from settlements of six drainage system maintenance projects in Bau, Lundu, and Sematan by using a company belonging to his wife and brothers-in-law in 2016.

He is charged under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

Jamal covers his face as he is escorted by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission personnel at the courthouse.