SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA - A former secretary-general with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was charged with 10 counts of graft yesterday.

Abdul Hanan Alang Endut, 57, claimed trial to all charges involving a total of RM59,390.60 (S$24,400) in kickbacks from Dec 1 to 15 last year - purportedly an inducement to approve a grant for a project in Penang worth more than RM10 million.

Separately, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it busted an RM840,000 cigarette smuggling case yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. A Customs officer, a businessman and an airport worker were arrested.