TERENGGANU Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee Chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat was charged today with two counts of abuse of power in getting his sons to work at a government-linked company (GLC) six and eight years ago.
The 66-year-old Chukai State Assemblyman pleaded not guilty after both charges were read out before Judge Azman Mustapha in the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court.
Based on the first charge, Hanafiah is accused of using his position as Terengganu Exco and Chairman of Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman Sdn Bhd (PBKSB) to get favours for his son, Mohd. Najmi.
The act was allegedly committed by the accused at the office of Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Berhad (EPIC) Berhad, Pengkalan Bekalan Kemaman, Teluk Kalong, Kemaman on August 15, 2018.
He is also accused of committing the same act for another of his sons, Ahmad Kamil, at the same office on June 18, 2020.
For both charges, Hanafiah was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a minimum fine of five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.
If convicted, the accused faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Earlier, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had applied for bail of RM50,000 against the accused.
However, the court allowed bail of RM30,000 with one surety and an additional condition that the accused must report to the MACC office every month.
The accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Fadly Hashim, while MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor, Rabiatul Addawiah Mohd Noorlee, prosecuted.
The court set April 12, 2026, for case management. – February 24, 2026