Trial for woman accused of letting illegals stayed in house begins
Posted on February 9, 2012, Thursday
KUCHING: The magistrates’ court yesterday began the trial of a woman accused of allowing three illegal Indonesian immigrants to stay in one of her houses.
Ngui Mui Khim, 46, who pleaded not guilty, was charged with allowing Oktopianus Saimin (27), Gunawan Wibisono (33) and Yohanes (32) to stay in the rented house located behind King’s Centre here.
Ngui, who is represented by defence counsel Wong Kin Wei, allegedly committed the offence at the house at 8.35pm on March 8 last year.
The charge comes under Section 55E(1) of the Immigration Act 1059/63 and is punishable under Section 55E (2) of the same Act, which carries a fine between RM5,000 and RM30,000, or imprisonment of a maximum 12 months, or both for every illegal immigrant found at the premises.
Wong said 17 witnesses would be called to testify in the case.
Yesterday, four witnesses were called to testify, including one tenant of the house who was not held by Immigration Department enforcers during the operation.
Wong said under Section 55E (1) of the Act, action could only be taken on occupants of the house and not the owner.
“As the tenants, they have the full control of the house,” he said adding that the charge framed against Ngui was wrong and unfair.
The trial continues today.
