Latest news with #Anti-TraffickinginPersonsandAnti-SmugglingofMigrantsAct
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Fitness trainer charged over staff abuse, wildlife law
SHAH ALAM: A 37-year-old fitness instructor here has been charged in court following allegations of physical abuse against his workers and for violating the wildlife protection law. The accused, who operates a popular gym, was arrested after four of his workers lodged reports on June 16, 17 and 18, individually detailing the physical and verbal abuses they allegedly suffered in their workplace. Following the reports, police arrested the suspect and raided his home in Petaling Jaya, where they found a Sri Lankan maid with no documents, who is also believed to be a victim of abuse. Police found several species of protected animals being kept as pets in his house. The suspect was remanded for three days before Petaling Jaya police obtained another six days of remand against the suspect. Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed that the man was charged with four counts of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was released on bail. He said all four reports from the suspect's workers were being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon, which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine, or whipping, or both upon conviction. "All four assault cases are under the jurisdiction of Shah Alam police. Another abuse case involving the suspect, under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007, is being investigated by Petaling Jaya police. The case involves allegations of severe mistreatment of a domestic worker by the suspect." Iqbal said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) was roped in to investigate the suspect after police found a lutong (langur), a wildcat and a sun bear at his home. "Perhilitan is pursuing the case against the suspect under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010".
The Star
25-06-2025
- The Star
Sitiawan case raises questions on scale of child trafficking in M'sia, says Wanita MCA
PETALING JAYA: The recent incident where a single mother was charged for sexually trafficking her biological daughter raises questions about the scale of child trafficking in the country, says Datuk Wong You Fong. The Wanita MCA national chairman also said details of the case were particularly alarming because it occurred within a broader network of sexual exploitation, as the perpetrator had regularly transported the victim to specific locations, suggesting that certain areas have become hotspots for such activities. 'This troubling reality raises questions about the scale of child trafficking within the country and demands an immediate investigation on other potential locations where similar crime may be occurring. 'Such places must be identified, monitored and swiftly shut down to prevent further harm,' said Wong in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). Wong also said it is important to recognise that the root cause of child sexual exploitation lies not only in the actions of traffickers, but also in the demand for such activities. 'As long as there are individuals who seek to exploit children for sexual gain, this cycle of abuse will continue," she said. ALSO READ: Teen forced into sex work Therefore, Wong said it is essential that those who purchase such services are held as accountable as those who are facilitating the trafficking. 'Without addressing both the 'supply' and 'demand', efforts to combat trafficking will remain incomplete,' she said. At the same time, Wong said it is important to ensure that strong legal frameworks are in place, as this will provide clear and stringent penalties for those involved in trafficking, exploitation and abuse. 'Equally important is the need for education and awareness campaigns that inform the public about the signs of trafficking and exploitation, so that communities are better equipped to identify and report suspicious activities. 'If the girl involved had more community support, perhaps she would have been saved sooner and she would not have to endure such a nightmare for three years,' said Wong, who added that it is essential to strengthen support services for victims so they can rebuild their lives. Wong said the fight against child sex exploitation and trafficking is one that requires the commitment of all segments of society. 'It is vital that we act now to safeguard vulnerable children and ensure that this crime is eradicated once and for all,' added Wong. On Tuesday (June 24), a single mother pleaded not guilty to two charges of trafficking her biological daughter for sexual exploitation over the past three years. The housewife was accused of trafficking her 17-year-old daughter at the time of the incident for sexual exploitation at a flat in Sitiawan, Perak, between 2022 and Sept 3, 2023. She is charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which provides for a maximum life sentence or a maximum of five years imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. She is also charged under Section 12 of the same Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years'[ imprisonment and a possible fine. The court granted the accused bail of RM7,000 with one surety for each charge and it set July 31 for the next mention date.
The Star
24-06-2025
- The Star
Single mother claims trial to charges of trafficking daughter
IPOH: A single mother pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court to two charges of trafficking her biological daughter for sexual exploitation over the past three years. Hasimah Saad, 44, claimed trial to both charges before Judge Azizah Ahmad on Tuesday (June 24). According to the charge sheet, she is accused of trafficking her 17-year-old daughter at the time of the incident for sexual exploitation. The housewife allegedly committed the offence at a flat in Sitiawan between 2022 and Sept 3, 2023. She is charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which provides for a maximum life sentence or a minimum of five years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. For the second charge, she is accused of trafficking the same victim for exploitation using force to compel her to work as a sex worker. This act allegedly took place at the same location between Sept 4, 2024 and June 7, 2025. She is charged under Section 12 of the same Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and a possible fine. Judge Azizah granted the accused bail of RM7,000 with one surety for each charge. The accused must report to the nearest police station once a month and refrain from disturbing any witnesses, including her two other children aged 16 and 19. The court additionally allows her to meet these children in the presence of the investigating officer, should the children consent. It then set July 31 for the next mention date, allowing the accused to appoint a lawyer.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Migrant smugling syndicate dismantled, alleged leader nabbed in Johor raids
JOHOR BARU: Malaysian authorities dismantled a cross-border migrant smuggling syndicate in a major night-time operation, arresting its suspected leader — a 38-year-old Indonesian man known as "Dedi," a senior immigration official said. He was among 11 individuals detained during a series of coordinated night-time raids across Kukup, Skudai, and Batu Pahat on May 27. The suspects were aged between 25 and 47. The syndicate, believed to have been operating for at least six months, was smuggling undocumented Indonesians in and out of Johor using sea routes. Backed by anti-trafficking and anti-money laundering units, immigration officers seized key evidence including passports, cash, mobile phones, a multi-purpose vehicle, and a boat — effectively crippling the group's operations. A three-week intelligence-led operation culminated in the successful dismantling of the syndicate. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate had been active for at least six months and charged each migrant RM2,100 for transport into or out of Malaysia by boat. "Our officers also detained five Indonesian men and one woman, most of whom had no valid travel documents, while one was found to have overstayed," he said in a statement today. These suspects were among the 11 arrested during the operation. Investigations revealed that migrants were temporarily housed in a hotel, believed used as a holding location to avoid suspicion before they were transported by sea between Indonesia and Johor, Zakaria said. Five suspects — three Indonesian men and two Malaysian women — are being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, while the remaining Indonesians face charges under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. All detainees were taken to the Immigration Department's depot in Setia Tropika for further action. Zakaria said the department will intensify efforts to clamp down on migrant smuggling operations to protect the country's border sovereignty.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- The Sun
Immigration Dept busts Dedi syndicate, nabs 11 in Johor for migrant smuggling
PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department busted the Dedi syndicate involved in migrant smuggling activities in a special operation conducted around Johor yesterday Its director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said nine Indonesians and two locals, aged between 25 and 47, were detained during a 10 pm operation in several areas, including Kukup, Skudai and Batu Pahat. He said that after three weeks of intelligence gathering, authorities detained an Indonesian man suspected of being the mastermind, known as Dedi, along with two other Indonesian men believed to be tekongs (smuggling agents). 'The operations team also arrested two local women suspected of being 'transporters' and premises caretakers. Also detained were five Indonesian men and one Indonesian woman,' he said in a statement today. He said that preliminary checks found that one Indonesian man had overstayed his visa, while the others lacked valid travel documents or permits to be in the country. The operations team seized eight mobile phones, two Indonesian passports, RM1,173 in cash, a Naza Citra vehicle, and a boat believed to have been used for transporting illegal immigrants. 'The syndicate's modus operandi was to smuggle Indonesians in and out via sea routes to Johor or Indonesia, charging each migrant RM2,100 for the journey,' he said. He said that the illegal immigrants brought in would be housed in a hotel used as a safe house to avoid detection by authorities before moving in or out of Malaysia. 'This syndicate is believed to have been operating for the past six months. 'The department is committed to combating human smuggling syndicates, to enforce the law, and safeguard the nation's security and sovereignty,' he also said. Zakaria added that all those nabbed were sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot here or further action. The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 and Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
