KUALA LUMPUR – A married couple were charged in separate sessions courts here today, with a total of six charges, for trafficking in and causing hurt to an Indonesian maid last year.
However, scrap metal dealer Lim Tuan Ann, 42, and his wife, Lim Siew Lan, 41, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Tuan Ann was charged with trafficking in the 26-year-old woman for exploitation as forced labour, while Siew Lan was charged with committing a similar offence by using force at their house in Taman Batu, Sentul, on November 24 last year.
Tuan Ann was charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which provides for imprisonment for up to 15 years and liable to a fine, upon conviction. The charge against his wife was framed under Section 13 of the same Act, which provides for imprisonment for up to 20 years and liable to a fine, upon conviction.
Siew Lan was also charged with four counts of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to the victim, including splashing her with hot water, at the same place between August 1 and November 13 last year.
Her charges were framed under Sections 325 and 326 of the Penal Code, which provide for an imprisonment for up to seven years and 20 years, respectively, and liable to a fine or whipping, upon conviction.
The court allowed Tuan Ann bail of RM12,000 with one surety, while bail for his wife was set at RM48,000 with two sureties on all five charges.
They were also ordered to surrender their passports to the court, and to report themselves at the nearest police station once a month, pending disposal of the case.
February 19 has been set for mention. – Bernama, January 29, 2021
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