WOMAN and her parents pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today to a charge of trafficking an Indonesian woman for forced labour over a two-year period at their home in Taman Desa.
Cassandra D'Silva Louis, 39, together with her mother Celine Clara Lewis, 63, and father Louis L Edward, 66, are accused of acting in concert to exploit the victim using coercion between March 2023 and 21 August 2025.
They were jointly charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, read in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code. Upon conviction, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Habibullah Mohammad Shah told the court that the offence is non-bailable but proposed bail of RM15,000 each if granted, with strict conditions.
"The prosecution requests that all three accused be prohibited from contacting the victim, and required to report to the nearest police station once a month until the trial is concluded," he said.
Defence lawyer P. N. Nagarajan appealed for bail, citing health concerns.
"All three clients suffer from chronic hypertension and respiratory conditions that require continuous medical attention. They also reside at the same address in Taman Desa and are prepared to comply with any conditions set by the court," he submitted.
Judge Azura Alwi allowed bail at RM12,000 each with one surety, on the condition that they report monthly to the police. The case has been fixed for mention on 6 October. - Sept 3, 2025
