Husband and wife charged with 12 counts of human trafficking
The duo were jointly charged with 12 counts of human trafficking involving young girls aged between 11 and 13.
The chairman and treasurer of Amal Bestari Training Centre based in Yan, Kedah, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to 12 charges of trafficking 12 local girls for the purpose of exploitation last October.
The married couple, Muslim Abl Karim, 66, and Zaleha Mohamad, 54, made the plea as soon as the charges were read out to them by an interpreter before Judge Murtazadi Amran.
The duo were jointly charged with 12 counts of human trafficking involving young girls aged between 11 and 13.
They allegedly committed the offences at No 133, Jalan Perajurit Timur 9, Taman Syabas Baru, here between 11.15 pm on Oct 7 and 1.45 am on Oct 8 last year.
The charge under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) 2007, carries a prison sentence of not less than three years but not exceeding 20 years and a fine, if convicted.
The Court did not allow bail on the two accused and set June 13 for mention.
Murtazadi said the court had taken into account that the victims were not placed at any protection centre, but living with their families and it could not be guaranteed that both the accused would not harass them.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Mohamad Abazafree Mohd Abbas and Nadia Zulkefli while both the accused were represented by counsel Shahril Adli Zain.
Earlier, Shahril appealed for low bail as the two accused had no permanent jobs but Mohamad Abazafree urged that if bail was granted, the amount should reflect the seriousness of the case.
Mohamad Abazafree said this was the first case in the country to involve a private organisation.
"Moreover, they will also be charged in Kuantan, Raub and Kota Bharu (this week) for the same offence," he added.
In October last year, a local newspaper reported that police had arrested two suspects believed to be involved in the trafficking and exploitation of 12 children to become beggars and sell herbal medicines and calendars.
-- BERNAMA
Must-Watch Video
Stay updated with our news