Former TH senior official convicted of bribery in construction contract scheme
Zaharuddin Hamid was found guilty of three bribery counts and sentenced to three years in prison for each, to be served concurrently.
On 30 November 2023 the Sessions Court delivered a verdict finding former TH senior official Zaharuddin Hamid guilty of three separate bribery offences. The offences involved cash transferred into his sister’s bank account from a businessman named Yusaidi Mohd, intended to influence the awarding of renovation contracts to two construction companies at TH offices in Ipoh, Perak and in the Johor towns of Muar, Batu Pahat and Kluang.
During a 2015 restaurant meeting, Zaharuddin allegedly demanded a 2 % kick-back payable in two installments; his denial was rejected as insufficient. The court imposed three three-year prison sentences to run concurrently, a monetary penalty, and an additional 15-month term if the fine remains unpaid. He was granted bail pending appeal, with a hearing scheduled for 20 January before High Court judge Noor Ruwena Nurdin. Counsel Ashok Athimulan represented Zaharuddin, and Deputy Public Prosecutor Haresh Prakash Somiah acted for the state.
Why it matters
The case highlights corruption risks in public procurement and the judiciary's role in enforcing accountability.
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