Sisters face 26 charges of human trafficking

BUTTERWORTH: Two sisters claimed trial to 26 charges of human trafficking at the Sessions Court today.
Ng Joo Tian, 48, and Ng Joo Ping, 46, are alleged to have committed the offences at Ng Huat Cleaning Services Sdn Bhd, located at Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam at 6pm on April 18 this year.
The sisters from Bukit Mertajam, are alleged to have exploited 26 Indonesian women aged between 19 and 42 years old.
For the charges under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007 read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, they are liable to be jailed for a maximum of 15 years and fined if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) S. Selvaranjini prosecuted while the sisters were represented by defence counsel Chiang Kian Hong.
Selvaranjini suggested bail of RM150,000 for each accused to ensure their attendance in court.
Chiang however urged the judge to lower the amount, as both the sisters had cooperated with police in the course of investigations.
He said Joo Tian was the sole breadwinner of her family, as her husband was a retiree and she had two children aged eight and 19 years old.
Chiang said Joo Ping is a widow with three children aged between 13 and 19 years old.
Nor Aini fixed bail at RM80,000 with one surety for each accused.
The judge also set June 13 for mention and the submission of documents.