Former assistant director of WRS and six other people charged over bribes

Goh Meng Kwee was handed 13 charges. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

SINGAPORE - A former assistant director of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) was charged in court on Friday (March 11) over obtaining bribes of more than $150,000 between 2014 and 2018.

Goh Meng Kwee, 49, was handed 13 charges.

The bribes were said to be given to induce Goh to grant favours to various companies that were in business with WRS, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

WRS, which manages major animal-related tourist attractions like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, is now known as Mandai Wildlife Group.

The Singaporean was also charged with receiving bribes of $50,000 in May 2018 and, separately, for using about $44,000 of the gratification money to buy a Mercedes-Benz B200 in 2017.

Six others - most of whom were directors at their companies - were also charged in court on Friday morning.

They allegedly gave bribes to Goh of up to $72,000 as inducement for advancing their businesses with WRS, said CPIB.

The accused are: Ascension Engineering Services director Ng Yeow Seng, 59; Magnum Precision Industries directors Neo Chye Koon, 52, and Wong Chee Thiam, 52; director of United Channel Construction and Facility Services Ng Thiam Huat, 56; RH Creation director Fang Yih Uei, 34; and Lantro business development manager Tay Chun Hsiong, 46.

Separately, Tay is also alleged to have corruptly obtained gratification of $3,000 from Ng Thiam Huat as a reward for furthering the latter's business interests with Lantro.

All seven will return to court at a later date.

It was heard in court that Goh intends to claim trial.

Those convicted of a corruption offence may be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $100,000.

Those guilty of money laundering can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000, CPIB said, adding that corruption-related complaints can be made via its hotline on 1800-376-0000.

The accused are (clockwise from left) Ng Yeow Seng, Neo Chye Koon, Wong Chee Thiam, Ng Thiam Huat, Fang Yih Uei, and Tay Chun Hsiong. ST PHOTOS: KEVLIN CHNG

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