KOTA TINGGI: Three people linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) have claimed trial to charges of human trafficking and committing physical sexual assault.
Mahmad Hamal Tukiman, 57, and Rabiahtul Adawiyah Md Shash, 31, each face four charges of trafficking four individuals aged between 30 and 57.
Muhammad Ansarullah Tukino, 20, was charged with two counts of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy.
The trio pleaded not guilty after the charges were read separately before Sessions Court judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan here yesterday.
According to the charge sheets, in the first case, the two accused, who are managers of Ikhwan Resort, were charged with having the common intention to traffic people for forced labour exploitation.
They were charged with three others who are still at large: Afizah Arifin, Mohamad Suhaimi Mohd Sani and Norafiratul Abidah Ismail.
The offences were allegedly committed at Ikhwan Resort, Kampung Air Bintan, Ladang Sungai Papan, Bandar Penawar, Pengerang, between August 2023 and Oct 1 this year.
They were charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, that was read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
This carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to RM250,000, or both, upon conviction.
Facing the music: The accused (from second left) Muhammad Ansarullah, Mahmad Hamal and Rabiahtul Adawiyah being escorted by police personnel at the Sessions Court in Kota Tinggi.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid prosecuted while both accused were represented by lawyer Fathul Anwar Muin.
During the proceeding, Ahmad Khairuddin proposed bail at RM50,000 for each accused for each charge.
He also proposed additional bail conditions, including two sureties, surrendering passports to the court, reporting to a police station monthly, as well as refraining from contacting the victims and witnesses.
Fathul Anwar, in mitigation, requested for lower bail on the grounds that his clients had dependents.
“Mahmad Hamal has 11 children and is still supporting nine of them, as well as eight grandchildren.
“The accused has two wives, with the second wife currently five months’ pregnant. Both wives are unemployed.
“Rabiahtul Adawiyah has four children, with the youngest, a two-year-old, still breastfeeding. She is also supporting her mother,” he said.
The court subsequently granted bail for each accused at RM40,000 with two sureties along with the additional terms.
The case was scheduled for next mention on Nov 27 for the submission of documents.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ansarullah was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy by touching the victim’s thigh and private parts at the Ikhwan Resort surau at around 10pm on June 1 and June 3.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.
The accused may also be ordered to undergo counselling, be placed under police supervision, and pay compensation to the victim if found guilty.
Ahmad Khairuddin suggested bail be set at RM40,000 for both charges and two sureties with the same additional terms against Mahmad Hamal and Rabiahtul Adawiyah.
Defence lawyer Muhammad Zaim Rusli, representing the accused, said his client could only afford RM8,000 for bail, which would be paid by his brother.
“At the resort, the accused was responsible for tending to cattle with a monthly income of RM1,500.
“However, he has not received his salary since 2023.
The court allowed bail for the accused at RM10,000 with one surety, along with the additional terms.
The case was set for next mention on Nov 28 for document submission.
