uard denies trafficking girl for slave trade

JOHOR BARU: A security guard pleaded not guilty at a Sessions Court here to trafficking a girl for the purpose of forcing her into the slave trade.

Sabahan Jasrin Yakin, 27, denied trafficking the then 12-year-old girl sometime between 2011 and 2013 at Jalan Jayamas 9, Taman Jaya Mas here.

Sessions judge Mohamad Haldar Abdul Aziz yesterday fixed July 28 for re-mention.

Jasrin and a female suspect who is still at large were said to have brought the girl, believed to be his neighbour in a remote part of Sabah, to Johor Baru.

Jasrin was charged with committing the offence under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, which offers no bail.

If convicted, he could face a jail term of between three and 20 years, as well as a fine not exceeding RM500,000.

DPP Norashikin Ibrahim prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.

According to state labour department assistant director Azleen Abdul Rahman, who is one of the investigating officers, the victim is currently receiving care and counselling at a shelter.