Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Ahmad Izram Osman has been charged with taking bribes of RM16,325, in the form of a downpayment for a Toyota Vios at a car dealer’s shop in Kulim.

A contractor had allegedly given Ahmad Izram, 44, RM3,000 and RM13,325 on Feb 17 in 2009 in return for projects for repairs and maintenance of the department’s office in Penang costing over RM300,000.

If found guilty, Ahmad Izram faces a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine of five times the value of the bribe.

The case was heard at the Sungai Petani magistrate’s court today.

Deputy public prosecutor Janariah Abdul Mutalib proposed bail of RM10,000 for each of the two charges and RM5,000 for the alternative charge.

Ahmad Izram’s counsel, Saw Hoe Teik, pleaded for a lower bail on all three counts and assured the court that his client, a senior government staff member and department director, would attend court proceedings when he is required to.

Judge Rusita Md Lazim fixed bail at a total of RM15,000 and set Jan 26 next year for mention.