Former Sabah Ports director fined RM700,000 for bribery
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025
By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Ports and Harbour Department (JPDS) director Abel Ongkunik, 52, was fined RM700,000 after pleading guilty to 15 bribery charges involving towing services. Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga imposed fines between RM38,000 and RM58,000 per charge, totaling RM700,000 — an amount Abel has already paid.
Advertisement The charges involved bribes totaling RM632,296.03 received from two companies between 2017 and 2018 during his tenure as JPDS director. The bribes were linked to approvals for towing services and licences within the Kimanis port limit, with funds deposited into accounts of three companies in various bank branches. The charges were framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum two-year jail term, a fine, or both. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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