Duo acquitted of human trafficking charge

KUCHING: The Session Court here acquitted and discharged two friends of human trafficking two years ago without calling for their defence.

RELIEVED: Lim (centre) with Yeo and Lee after the ruling at Kuching High Court yesterday.

Judge Amelati Pannel handed down the decision after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against David Yeo Chin Seng and Lee Khon Loong.

Amelati in passing decision said there were contradictory statements from the suspects and investigation officer.

They were charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act 2007 (seven counts) read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

Offenders found guilty of exploitation can be jailed for a period not exceeding 15 years or fined.

The duo also faced a charge under Section 14 of the Anti-Human Trafficking in Person Act 2007 with the intention to trade in an underaged person named Rika.

For the purpose of exploitation in person (child), the punishment would be jail for a term not less than three years and not exceeding 20 years or fine.

They allegedly committed the offence on Jan 8, 2008 at about 3.30pm in a house at Taman Rose.

Deputy public prosecutor Musli Abdul Hamid prosecuted while both Yeo and Lee were represented by counsel Lim Lian Kee.

The RM19,000 bail was refunded.