SINGAPORE - A former technician was jailed for six weeks and ordered to pay a penalty of $200 on Thursday (Jan 14) for receiving a bribe of $100 twice from a project manager of electrical works.

Jasman Tiron, 55, was working for SP Services, a subsidiary of Singapore Power, when he corruptly obtained $100 from Mr Li Chen, 33, in return for not creating difficulties for Great Resources M&E Contractor in his inspection of its electrical installations at Block 55, Havelock Road, on Sept 26, 2011. He pleaded guilty.

He also admitted a second similar charge involving installations at Block 780E, Woodlands Crescent, on Nov 29, 2013.

Great Resources' is in the business of electrical installation subcontract works from contractors for new HDB and private residential flats. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co which had been engaged by the HDB as the building contractor for the two blocks in Havelock Road and Woodlands Crescent.

One of Jasman's duties was to inspect electrical installations at HDB flats under construction to ensure that their electrical systems were serviceable, and that it was safe to supply electricity to those flats.

A district court heard that some time on Sept 26, 2011, Jasman was inspecting Great Resources' electrical installations at a flat in Block 55, Havelock Road, when he refused to pass the inspection.

A licensed electrical worker, Mr Nyap Fat Ming, 61, who was there with Mr Li, advised Mr Li to give Jasman some money so that the latter would not create difficulties in his inspection.

Mr Li then took Jasman to a corner and gave him $100.

After taking the money, Jasman indicated on his handheld computer that Great Resources' electrical installations had passed his inspection.

On Nov 29, 2013, Jasman was inspecting Great Resources' installations at a flat being built at Block 780E, Woodlands Crescent, when he asked Mr Li for a bribe so that he would not create difficulties in his inspection. After receiving $100, Jasman passed the inspection.

Investigations showed that the electrical installations at the two flats were in fact satisfactory.

Three other ex-technicians have also been charged with graft. Their cases are pending.

The maximum punishment for corruption is a $100,000 fine and five years' jail.

Update: Nyap has been acquitted as of Feb 7, 2017.