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SINGAPORE: An employee of the National Environment Agency (NEA) was charged with corruption on Monday (Nov 10) for allegedly taking bribes from people linked to companies providing funeral or cemetery-related work.<\/p>\n
Abdul Salam Jahabar Sadiq, a 47-year-old Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, was a verification officer in NEA’s burial operations section.<\/p>\n
Between 2022 and 2023, he allegedly obtained bribes in the form of loans totalling about S$21,000 (US$16,000) from 10 individuals whose companies provide funeral-related services or cemetery-related works.<\/p>\n
“The bribes were an inducement to refrain from reporting any malpractices committed by the 10 said individuals,” \u00a0the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a media release on Monday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Salam is accused of taking bribes ranging from S$500 to S$5,000 per loan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He faces 10 charges, of which two are amalgamated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
An offence under Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act carries a fine of up to S$100,000 and a maximum jail term of five years.<\/p>\n
Salam has been suspended since his arrest by CPIB. NEA said it will start internal disciplinary proceedings after the court case concludes.<\/span><\/p>\n “In addition, follow-up action will also be taken against any parties found to have engaged in malpractice at NEA-managed facilities,” the agency said.<\/span><\/p>\n “The National Environment Agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. We expect all officers to fully comply with the relevant laws and uphold the code of conduct for public officers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n