What special circumstances led to bail for the housewife?

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Special Circumstances Granted Bail Pending Appeal for Trafficking Conviction

The Court of Appeal has granted a RM20,000 bail to Lim Li Li, a housewife convicted of trafficking an Indonesian woman, citing significant special circumstances. These circumstances include Lim's severe depression while in prison, the ongoing nationwide lockdown which limits her ability to abscond, and her lack of financial resources to flee the country. The court's decision allows Lim to await her appeal hearing, scheduled for October 12, outside of prison.
Severe Depression in Custody

Lim Li Li has been experiencing severe depression during her incarceration. Her legal representation highlighted this condition as a primary factor necessitating her release, arguing that her mental health is being adversely affected by her imprisonment. This medical condition, compounded by the other factors, presented a compelling case for the appellate court to reconsider her bail status.
Lockdown Hinders Absconding Possibility

The current nationwide lockdown was also cited as a key factor in granting bail. With movement restrictions in place, the court considered it highly improbable for Lim to attempt to flee or abscond. This logistical difficulty, stemming from the public health measures, significantly reduced the perceived risk of her absconding while her appeal is pending.
Lack of Financial Means to Flee

Furthermore, Lim's financial situation was assessed as a reason why she poses a low flight risk. The court was informed that she lacks the financial means to travel abroad, making it impractical for her to abscond internationally. This assessment of her economic status contributed to the court's conclusion that bail was a suitable measure.
Background of the Conviction and Appeal

Lim was convicted in 2018 by the Kangar Sessions Court for trafficking Ani Maryati, a 25-year-old Indonesian woman, for exploitation through violence and threats, an offence under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. She was initially sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, ordered to pay RM4,000 in restitution to the victim, and RM3,000 in prosecution costs. Her subsequent appeal to the Kangar High Court in April this year was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence. The Court of Appeal judges who granted the bail were Justice Datuk Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil, Datuk Nordin Hassan, and Datuk See Mee Chun. The bail conditions require one Malaysian surety, Lim to provide her permanent residential address, and the surrender of her international passport.

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What special circumstances led to bail for the housewife?

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