IPOH: A couple was charged at the Sessions Court here today with exploiting and abusing their Indonesian maid eight years ago.
J. Jayamalar, 36 and V. Chandru, 35 pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them separately before judge Azman Abu Hassan.
Jayamalar, a mother of two was charged with two counts of exploiting and abusing the maid to the extent of causing severe bodily injuries.
She was charged under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 which carries a maximum imprisonment for three years and is liable to fine; and Section 325 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt which carries a maximum seven years imprisonment, which is also liable to a fine upon conviction
Meanwhile, Chandru who runs a tent rental business was charged with exploiting his maid under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and faces a maximum imprisonment for 15 years and is liable to fine, if found guilty.
The offences were committed at their home in No 25, Hala Kledang Emas 11A, Taman Kledang Emas here between 2011 and Oct 20, this year.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab who prosecuted, proposed a RM30,000 bail for each of them as the cases were deemed to be serious.
However, lawyer Matthews Judes, requested bail at RM10,000 each as both of them needed to look after their two children aged 11 and 13 as well as their sick mother.
The court allowed bail of RM10,000 with one surety each, and set Jan 20 for mention.