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KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Ports and Harbour Department (JPDS) director Abel Ongkunik, 52, was fined RM700,000 after pleading guilty to 15 bribery charges involving towing services.

Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga imposed fines between RM38,000 and RM58,000 per charge, totaling RM700,000 — an amount Abel has already paid.

The charges involved bribes totaling RM632,296.03 received from two companies between 2017 and 2018 during his tenure as JPDS director.

The bribes were linked to approvals for towing services and licences within the Kimanis port limit, with funds deposited into accounts of three companies in various bank branches.

The charges were framed under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum two-year jail term, a fine, or both.