PETALING JAYA, Aug 16 — A housewife claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to trafficking in a 30-year-old Indonesian maid for the purpose of exploitation and causing grievous hurt to her.

Chai Eng Fong, 40, allegedly committed both offences at a house in Subang Bistari Shah Alam near here at 7 pm on Aug 8.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Zhafran Rahim Hamzah objected to bail, as one of the charges was non bailable. However he suggested a sum of RM100,000 with one surety should the court allow bail, saying, the accused family could afford it.

But counsel TH Goh urged the court to reduce the amount, countering that it was not fair to impose such a sum just because the family was rich.

“Besides, the accused has four children aged between 10 and 17 and a 70-year-old father, who are dependent on her,” he said.

Judge Rozina Ayob set bail at RM25,000 with one surety for each charge and impounded the accused’s passport.

She also ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station every month and to not harass the victim and prosecution witness. 

The court fixed Sept 2 for re mention. Counsel Rosal Azimin Ahmad held a watching brief for the Indonesian embassy.

Meanwhile, the accused’s husband, a businessman settled her bail. – Bernama