BUTTERWORTH – A teacher pleaded not guilty in the sessions court here today to two counts of abuse of power and receiving nearly RM3,000 in bribes.
The charges were read to Hazlina Kasah, 46, who is also a student affairs assistant senior officer, in front of judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
Based on the charge sheet, Hazlina is accused of using her position as the head of the physical education at that time, to submit a note suggesting that Hazwan Event Management provide the school with supplies – 10 units of A4 paper, 30 units of marker pens, a radio, a blood pressure machine, three compasses, two weighing machines, a trampoline, and 10 units of coloured paper amounting to RM2,353.66.
She is also the owner of the said company.
The offence was allegedly committed on October 17, 2017 at the management office in SMK Pokok Sena, Prai.
The second charge alleged that Hazlina on October 19, 2017 at the same location had submitted a request note to the school for the purchase of five footballs and one futsal ball from the same company for RM522.66, leading to personal gain.
The offence under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act and carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
MACC deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Azlan Basri said it is advisable for the accused to refrain from contacting former colleagues as they are case witnesses.
Hazlina, who was unrepresented, pleaded for low bail and told the court that she has five school-going children.
Zulhazmi set bail at RM8,000 with one surety and told Hazlina to surrender all her travel documents to the court.
Hazlina is also asked to report herself to Penang MACC every month.
Case mention is set for June 27.
It is understood that Hazlina was detained after giving her statement at Penang MACC office at 10.30am yesterday. – The Vibes, May 18, 2022
