KUCHING: A husband and wife failed in their bid to overturn their sentences of three years in prison and fines of RM4,000 each for trafficking an underage Indonesian maid.
Mohamad Nizam Mohamad Selihin, 34, and Nurafida Zamhari, 35, had appealed against the sentence imposed on them after they were found guilty by the Sessions Court last March.
Judicial Commissioner Celestina Stuek Galid said their conviction was safe, affirming the decision of the lower court and dismissing the appeal.
Celestina also extended their bail pending the disposal of the case to the Court of Appeal, which will be their final appeal against the decision.
Both Mohamad Nizam and Nurafida were convicted under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
The couple committed the offence at their house in Samariang on July 30, 2015.
The victim, who had worked for them as a maid, lodged a police report claiming to have been beaten with a broom, which was tendered as a court exhibit.
The victim was deported on Nov 11, 2015 following the completion of the investigation.