SINGAPORE — Three former SMRT employees and a fourth man were jailed for conspiring to cheat the rail operator of more than S$4 million (RM12.6 million).
According to CNA, two employees from the Permanent Way Branch of SMRT Trains set up a company under another person’s name to secretly obtain contracts from their employer.
District Judge Eddy Tham said the offences involved “grave breach of trust” as the men exploited confidential information and experience to gain a competitive advantage.
“Whilst it’s a private organisation, it deals with the provision of a very vital transport service and it’s of great importance that it’s well-run, especially in terms of its infrastructure and delivery of its rail services,” said Judge Tham.
The court heard that section manager Jamalludin Jumari and assistant engineer Zakaria Mohamed Shariff controlled the company through a figurehead director, Akbar Ali Tambishahib.
They later enlisted line manager Zulkifli Marwi, who accessed confidential information and endorsed bids submitted by the company.
SMRT awarded 26 requests for quotations and two tenders to the company between 2007 and 2012, including a timber sleeper contract worth S$3.7 million.
After discovering the timber sleepers were below specification, SMRT issued a letter terminating the contract.
The prosecution said the men planned to make profits of more than 400 per cent in some transactions.
Jamalludin and Zakaria each received four years and nine months’ jail.
Zulkifli and Akbar were sentenced to 26 months’ jail each after the judge found they had lower culpability.
The prosecution sought five to six years’ jail for Jamalludin and Zakaria, and two-and-a-half to three years for Zulkifli and Akbar.
Jamalludin absconded in 2013 but was later returned from Malaysia to face charges.
The judge said the offences had the potential to harm SMRT’s reputation and undermine the integrity of its approval system.
He noted that Zulkifli had lower culpability as he did not initiate the scheme and did not directly benefit from the awards.
Zulkifli’s lawyer argued for judicial mercy due to his stroke, but the judge said imprisonment would not endanger his life.
Except for Zulkifli, the other three men indicated they would appeal.
The penalties for abetment of cheating include a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
CNA reported that SMRT has been contacted for more information.
