IPOH, Nov 1 — A former mathematics lecturer has claimed trial to five counts of soliciting and accepting bribes from students at the Perak Institute of Technology here.

Wong Chee Wai, 41, of Taman Indah Jaya, allegedly received RM140 from a female student to increase her marks.

He was alleged to have committed the offence on Sept 14 and Oct 12, 2011 at the institute’s library and classroom, respectively.

Wong was also alleged to have accepted RM250 on     Oct 10, 2011 and RM300 on Feb 3 and Feb 8 the following year from another student, for the same purpose.

He was charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and punishable under the same act.

The offence carries a 20-year jail term and a fine of five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Counsel M. Kathan, in asking for a lower bail, said Wong had to support his parents, and his current income from giving tuition was less than RM1,000 and not consistent.

Judge Madihah Harullah granted bail of RM27,000 for all five charges pending mention on Dec 4.

MACC deputy public prosecutor A. Hafiizh Abu Bakar prosecuted.