Salesman Charged With Three Counts Of Human Trafficking

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 26  (Bernama) -- A salesman pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to three counts of human trafficking, including two minors, for exploitation as forced labour.

 Vincent Sak Zhan Sheng, 22, made the plea before Judge Hidayatul Syuhada Shamsudin.

On the first count, Sak, along with five other individuals who had been charged, is alleged to have trafficked Thay Pick Yong, 26, at a premises in Taman Lagenda Putra, Kulai, between March 23 and May 23 this year.

The charge, under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine if convicted.

For the other two charges, framed under Section 14 of the ATIPSOM A, t Sak, along with the five individuals, is charged with trafficking two teenagers, a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, at the same premises for the same purpose between April and May 23 this year.

Sak was allowed bail of RM10,000 on each count with one surety and also ordered to surrender his passport to the court, report at the nearest police station once a month and not intimidate witnesses.

The court set Jan 13 for mention.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Amirah Tasnim Saleh, while lawyer Datin Freda Sabapathy represented Sak.

-- BERNAMA