IPOH: A housewife pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to two charges of trafficking her daughter for the purpose of sexual exploitation over a span of three years.
The 44-year-old single mother claimed trial to both charges before Judge Azizah Ahmad yesterday.
According to the first charge sheet, she is accused of trafficking her 17-year-old daughter for the purpose of sexual exploitation at a flat in Sitiawan, Manjung district, between 2022 and Sept 3, 2023.
The accused was charged under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which provides for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or a minimum of five years’ jail and whipping upon conviction.
For the second charge, she is accused of trafficking the victim by using force to compel her to do sex work at the same location between Sept 4, 2024, and June 7, 2025.
The accused was charged under Section 12 of the same Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ jail and a possible fine.
She was granted bail of RM7,000 with one surety for each charge.
The accused was also ordered to report to the nearest police station once a month and to refrain from contacting any witnesses, including her two other children, aged 16 and 19.
She was, however, allowed to meet both children in the presence of the investigating officer, should the children consent.
The court set July 31 for the next mention for the accused to appoint a lawyer.
The accused has yet to post bail.
