KUALA LUMPUR: A couple was ordered by the Sessions Court to enter defence on six charges of exploiting and abusing their Indonesian maid with boiling water four years ago.
Judge Azura Alwi told scrap metal trader Lim Tuan Ann, 42, and his wife Lim Siew Lan, 41, made the order after ruling that the court was satisfied that the prosecution had successfully proven a prima facie case against both accused.
She said this after hearing submissions and evaluating the evidence of prosecution witnesses.
Tuan Ann is facing charges under Section 12 and 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007; while Siew Lan has charges under Section 325 and 326 of the Penal Code.
Azura told the couple they have three options to enter defence — to remain silent, give unsworn evidence from the witness box or give sworn evidence where they can be cross examined.
The couple chose the third option.
Deputy public prosecutor Wan Ahmad Hijrah Wan Abdullah prosecuted while lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi stood for the couple.
The trial which began on March 31, 2021 saw the testimony of 15 prosecution witnesses.
Tuan Ann and Siew Lan were accused of exploiting and abusing the 26-year-old Indonesian maid at their house near Taman Batu, Sentul, on Nov 24, 2020.
The offences under the ATIPSOM Act each carries a maximum imprisonment of 15 and 20 years and fine upon conviction.
Siew Lan was also slapped with four charges of causing grievous hurt to the maid by using boiling water at the same place between Aug 1 and November 2020.
The charges under the Penal Code each carries a maximum seven and 20 years imprisonment; with a fine or whipping if found guiltty.
The then Sentul police chief Assistant Commissioner Beh Eng Lai had said police had successfully rescued the Indonesian woman who sustained serious injuries on her body, believed to be from the abuse.
He had said besides being assaulted, the victim also did not receive her monthly wages.