Taxi driver freed of exploitation charge in Seremban

SEREMBAN: A 32-year-old taxi driver has been acquitted and discharged by the Sessions Court here without calling for her defence for allegedly exploiting a 27-year-old man by making him beg for money.

Judge Surita Budin said the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Nurul Hidayah Md Nor.

"The victim, in his testimony, admitted that he left his house and went begging on his own will as his father had refused to help him.

"The money he received from the public was also used by him and not given to the accused," she said.

Nurul Hidayah was charged with committing the offence between May and Nov 7, 2021, at various locations here and in Senawang.

She was charged under Section 27(c) of the Minor Offences Act, punishable under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.

Offenders can be jailed up to 20 years and fined or both upon conviction.

Surita said the victim was still found begging after the accused was charged.

"There is also no evidence to show that the accused assaulted the victim for not paying her.

"The court finds the victim's credibility highly questionable and the accused is hereby acquitted and discharged," she said.

The accused was represented by Haresh Mahadevan and Razmzani Idris while Christhoper Enteri Mawan prosecuted.