What specific law are the accused charged under?

Question

Accepted Answer

The accused are charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

The two committee members of a welfare home, husband and wife Muslim Abdul Karim, 65, and Zaleha Mohamad, 54, face 12 charges related to the trafficking of children for exploitation. These charges were brought forth at the sessions court, specifically under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom).
Charges for Trafficking Minors

Muslim Abdul Karim and Zaleha Mohamad are accused of trafficking 12 girls, aged between 11 and 13, over a two-day period from October 7-8 of the previous year. The alleged location for these actions was 133, Jalan Perajurit Timur 9, Taman Syabas Baru, in Ipoh. Muslim, identified as the chairman of Pusat Latihan Amal Bestari, and Zaleha, the centre's treasurer, are known to have operated several tahfiz centres across the country.
Bail Application Rejected Amidst Further Charges

Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges before judge Murtazadi Amran. In their appeal for bail, their defence counsel proposed RM10,000 for both, citing their age and health complications. However, the deputy public prosecutor objected, highlighting that the charge is non-bailable. Furthermore, it was revealed that the couple is slated to face similar charges in Kuantan, Raub, and Kota Baru in the near future. The prosecutor also expressed concern that granting bail could lead to the accused influencing the victims or their parents, as the 12 victims remain at the welfare home. Consequently, the bail application was rejected, with the next mention date set for June 13.
Ethical Concerns Raised Over Defence Counsel

An objection was also raised regarding the defence counsel's representation, as he had previously represented the children when a protection order was sought. The deputy public prosecutor noted that this situation could potentially lead to disciplinary proceedings against the counsel under the Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978. The defence counsel subsequently informed the court that he would recuse himself from representing the accused at the next hearing to avoid further complications. The prosecutor also mentioned to reporters that further charges were expected in Kuantan, Raub, and Kota Baru within the week.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What specific law are the accused charged under?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends