NEA officer, 47, charged with allegedly obtaining S$21,000 in bribes from funeral-related services

A verification officer in the burial operations section with the National Environment Agency (NEA) was charged in court on Nov. 10 for allegedly obtaining bribes totalling about S$21,000.

Abdul Salam Jahabar Sadiq, 47, allegedly did so from 2022 to 2023 in the form of loans from 10 individuals whose companies provide funeral-related services or cemetery-related works.

These companies are Mohamed Kubur Services, Kim Zhu Stone Carving Trading, Jasabudi Muslim Casket Services and Marble Contractor, Md Akbar International Islamic Casket, Saith Services, Lian Hock Construction, Urusan Jenazah Ma’al Hijrah & Marble Contractor and Qalifah Services.

He also allegedly took bribes from an administrative staff of Takdir I.S.L.A.M.I.C. Services, and a freelance funeral service provider Muhammad Hafiz Mohamed Nasir.

The case was referred to Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) by NEA.

The alleged bribes were an inducement to refrain from reporting any malpractices committed by the 10 said individuals, CPIB said in a press release.

For his alleged actions, Salam faces 10 charges for corruption, of which two are amalgamated.

Asked to return to India

Salam disputed the charges in court, saying he was not given an interpreter when making a statement to CPIB, according to The Straits Times.

He said he told the bureau that he had only taken loans.

Salam, who is an Indian national, also requested to return to India this month for his mother’s death anniversary.

His application to leave the country will be heard in court on Nov. 13.

Zero-tolerance approach towards corruption

Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, CPIB said.

Any person convicted of a corruption offence under Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act can be fined up to S$100,000 or sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both.

Any person convicted of an amalgamated charge punishable under Section 124(8)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Procedure Code can face twice the amount of punishment liable for that offence.

Members of the public may report potential cases of corruption to the CPIB via the bureau's online e-Complaint form, email to [email protected], call the Duty Officer at 1800-376-0000, or write in to the CPIB Headquarters at 2 Lengkok Bahru (S159047).

These channels also allow for anonymous reports, which will be looked into by the CPIB.

CPIB said the report should include the following information where possible:

a) Where, when and how did the alleged corrupt act happen?

b) Who was involved and what were their roles?

c) What was the bribe given and the favour shown?

NEA's statement

In a statement, NEA said it 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. Stern disciplinary action will be taken for non-compliance," they wrote.

The NEA officer charged by the CPIB has been suspended since his arrest, they added.

NEA said they will commence internal disciplinary proceedings after the court case has been concluded.

In addition, follow-up action will also be taken against any parties found to have engaged in malpractice at NEA-managed facilities.

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