Mohd Arif Ab Rahman and his son, Ahmad Zukhairi Mohd Arif, were charged at the Sessions Court under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 with accepting the sum – which then totalled RM550,000 – last year, allegedly to help Syarikat Eramaz (M) Sdn Bhd secure a power supply project in Sandakan, Sabah.

According to the charge sheet, they received the money from Mohd Safian Mohd Salleh, a director for Wazlina Sdn Bhd.

The duo were represented by Salehuddin Saidin, while MACC’s Thangavelu A Suppiah prosecuted.

If convicted, they risk a maximum jail term of 20 years and fine of up to five times the amount of bribes received.

Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi set bail at RM200,000 with one surety each.

Azura, however, allowed Mohd Arif to pledge his house in Subang as collateral as his assets have been frozen.

Mohd Arif was arrested in January at his residence in USJ, Subang Jaya, on suspicion of abusing his post and position to accept bribes.

During a raid by the MACC, authorities seized and impounded cash and gold bars worth about RM3 million.

Anti-graft officers also seized several luxury watches, expensive handbags, fountain pens and foreign currency from the suspect.