KOTA TINGGI: Three individuals connected to GISB Holdings were charged in the sessions court here today with human trafficking and physical sexual assault.
The accused, Mahmad Hamal Tukiman, 57, and Rabiahtul Adawiyah Md Shash, 31, both pleaded not guilty to four counts of trafficking individuals for forced labour, as read before judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan.
They were accused alongside three other individuals still at large.
Meanwhile, a third individual, Muhammad Ansarullah Tukino, 20, a resort worker, pleaded not guilty to two counts of physical sexual assault against a 16-year-old boy.
According to the charges, Mahmad and Rabiahtul, believed to be managers of a GISBH resort, allegedly exploited three women and one man, aged between 30 and 57, for forced labour at Ikhwan Resort, Bandar Penawar, Pengerang, between August last year and Oct 1, 2024.
They face charges under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to RM250,000.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid requested bail of RM50,000 for each charge.
The court, however, set bail at RM40,000 with two guarantors and imposed additional conditions, including the surrender of passports and monthly police check-ins.
Meanwhile, resort worker Muhammad Ansarullah pleaded not guilty to two counts of physical sexual assault against a 16-year-old boy.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping.
The court granted him RM10,000 bail with conditions, including surrendering his passport and regular police reporting. Both cases are set for mention in late November for document submission.