Consultant, businesswoman charged with human trafficking

KUALA LUMPUR: A consultant and a businesswoman pleaded not guilty in the Ampang Sessions Court here yesterday to a charge of trafficking in an Indonesian woman last year.

The consultant, Ong Su Ping Serene, 47, and Sang Yoke Leng, 44, were charged with trafficking in the 32-year- old woman by force at a house at Persiaran

Pandan 7, Pandan Jaya here between April 2014 and Dec 20, 2014.

The charge, under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti- Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, carries an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years or fine, if found guilty.

Judge Unaizah Mohd allowed Ong bail of RM8,000 with one surety, while bail for Sang was set at RM10,000 with one surety.

They were also ordered to surrender their passports to the court.

In mitigation, the two women, represented by lawyer S Preakas, said they were supporting their mother and grandmother.

Deputy public prosecutor Nurakmal Farhan Aziz prosecuted.

Meanwhile, in the Ampang Magistrate's Court, Ong and Sang pleaded not guilty to a charge of employing a domestic who did not possess a valid work permit.

The offence was allegedly committed at the same place and date.

The charge, under Section 55B (1) of the Immigration Act, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or jail of up to 12 months, or both, if found guilty.

Magistrate Zulyana Zollkapli allowed the two women bail of RM5,000 in one surety each.

Both the cases are fixed for mention on March 30 at the Sessions Court. — Bernama