Two top DOE officials plead not guilty to accepting bribes (Updated)

DEPARTMENT of Environment (DOE) Director-General, Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today for accepting a bribe of RM100,000 to consider an exemption appeal regarding the preparation of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report last year.

The report was prepared for a planning permission application for the proposal to build the Bukit Kukus dual carriageway and earthworks for mitigation on government land, Jalan Bukit Kukus, Mukim 13, Timur Laut District, Paya Terubong, Penang.

Wan Abdul Latiff, 59, who was wearing a black coat, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read out by the court interpreter before Judge Suzana Hussin.

"Understood, not (guilty)," he said.

He is alleged to have received the bribe from the Director of Sunrich Conquest Sdn Bhd through a project manager at the same company.

The bribe was as remuneration for him as an officer of a public body, namely the DOE DG, to consider an appeal for exemption from preparing the EIA report in question.

The report was for the application for planning permission for the proposal to build the Bukit Kukus double road and earthworks for mitigation on government land, Jalan Bukit Kukus, Mukim 13, Timur Laut District, Paya Terubong, Pulau Pinang, which was applied for by another company, via a letter dated 22 November 2024.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Office of the DOE DG, Wisma Sumber Asli, Persiaran Perdana Precinct 4, Putrajaya on 15 January 2025.

The charge was made under Section 16(a) (B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act.

The section provides for imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.

Judge Suzana Hussin granted bail of RM40,000 with one surety and ordered the passport to be surrendered to the court until the trial is completed.

The trial is set for May 7.

Meanwhile, Norhazni Mat Sari, 59, was charged with six counts of accepting bribes totalling RM21,000.

The accused, who held the position of Deputy Director General (Development and Operations) at the time, was charged with receiving money from a director who was connected with official work between April 18, 2022 and July 19, 2024.

All the charges were read under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine or both.

Judge Azura Alwi allowed bail of RM25,000 with one surety and ordered the passport to be surrendered to the court until the trial is completed.

The case was set for mention on May 19. - April 3, 2026