A WOMAN who allegedly worked as a runner handling National Registration Department (NRD) documentation has pleaded not guilty in the Penang Sessions Court in George Town today to trafficking a baby girl for exploitation three years ago.
Tang Wui Soo, 62, entered the plea after the charge was read to her by the court interpreter before Judge Juraidah Abbas.
According to the charge, she is accused of trafficking a baby born on 17 November 2021 for the purpose of unlawful exploitation, an offence under Section 48 of the Child Act 2001.
The alleged incident took place at Island Hospital on Jalan Macalister at 1.45pm on 24 November that year.
She is charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment or a minimum five-year jail sentence, and may also include whipping upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Puteri Nor Nadia Mohamed Iqbal appeared for the prosecution, while Tang was represented by lawyer RSN Rayer.
During proceedings, Puteri Nor Nadia proposed bail of RM20,000 with one surety, along with additional conditions barring the accused from contacting prosecution witnesses and requiring her to surrender her passport to the court.
Rayer, in mitigation, urged the court to consider his client’s circumstances, stating that she is a mother of two who suffers from multiple health issues and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Putrajaya.
“My client was granted police bail on 20 November without any surety. She resides in Jitra, Kedah, yet appeared in court today when contacted by the police. I ask the court to take these factors into account and set bail at RM5,000, as bail is intended to secure her attendance and not to punish someone before guilt is established,” he said.
The court subsequently allowed Tang to be released on RM8,000 bail with one local surety and imposed the additional conditions requested by the prosecution.
The case has been fixed for mention on 8 January for the submission of documents. - November 28, 2025
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