KOTA KINABALU: A 67-year-old woman claimed trial at the Sessions Court here yesterday to hiring an illegal immigrant at her eatery here.
Lovintih @ Betty Balantai, who appeared before judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim, faces a charge under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The indictment carries a fine of not less than RM10,000 but not more than RM50,000 or a jail term of up to 12 months or to both, for each illegal immigrant hired, upon conviction.
She is alleged to have hired a 19-year-old Filipina, who had no valid work pass, at Sweet Sensation in Jesselton Point here on February 25, 2016.
The court fixed August 16 this year for case management and released the accused on RM3,000 bail with a local surety, pending disposal of the case.
Prosecuting officer from the Immigration Department Juachim Abel Majain prosecuted.