KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The principal assistant director of a Putrajaya Agriculture Department division pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to 11 charges of receiving RM56,200 from two company directors connected with his official duties, three years ago.
Mohamad Nizam Malik, 48, who serves as an agricultural officer at the Crop Industry Development Division, was charged with two counts of receiving valuable items without consideration for himself, namely RM25,700, from Koperasi Usahawan Alam Shah Berhad's chairman Zainal Md Nadzri via online transfer.
He was also charged with nine further counts of receiving valuable items without consideration for himself, namely RM30,500, from Orchidmas Sdn Bhd director Shiz Mohammad Mohd Kassim, through an individual, knowing both individuals were connected with his official duties.
The offences were allegedly committed at a bank on Shaftsbury Putrajaya Avenue and in an area of Precinct 14, Putrajaya, between June 8, 2023, and March 5, 2025.
The accused was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Prosecuting officer Mohamad Safari Abdullah offered bail of RM20,000 with one surety for all charges, subject to the additional conditions that Nizam not interfere with prosecution witnesses, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's office once a month, and surrender his passport to the court until the case is resolved.
The accused’s lawyer Mohammad Ariffin Abd Wahab applied for a lower bail of RM8,000 on the grounds that his client has no income as he has been suspended from duty and his salary has been withheld following the investigation against him.
He submitted that his client has a wife and five children, three of whom are still at university. He also asked the court to consider that the accused has served nearly 25 years and contributed to the nation.
"The accused also does not pose a flight risk as he has been declared a bankrupt since 2021, and is prepared to accept all additional conditions by the prosecution," Ariffin said.
Judge Suzana Hussin allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM13,000 for all charges, along with the additional conditions sought by the prosecution, and set June 8 for a further mention of the case.
