Cover image via Kuan Chee Heng (Facebook)
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A Malaysian woman has claimed that she was sentenced to eight years in prison in Japan after she unknowingly carried drugs hidden inside a luggage bag gifted to her by her boyfriend
The case was highlighted by social activist Kuan Chee Heng, fondly known as Uncle Kentang, in a Facebook post today, 3 October.
According to Kuan, the woman had written letters to him from prison, asking him to take care of her mother while she serves her sentence abroad.
"She told me to take care of her mum for her. She was a mule for drugs. Youngsters must not be too eager to travel. And never believe and trust your boyfriend 100% — he may be an agent looking for mules," Kuan warned.
Kuan explained that the woman's boyfriend had offered her free tickets to Japan, along with a new luggage bag as a gift
Unbeknownst to her, drugs had been concealed in the bag, the woman claimed.
"Do not trust your boyfriend who wants to bring you travelling. You may be the mule they use to carry drugs. The boyfriend bought her a luggage bag and she was given a free ticket to Japan. That was when the drugs were concealed in it," he wrote.
As a result, the woman was arrested upon arrival in Japan and has now been sentenced to spend eight years behind bars.
In his post, Kuan expressed concern that the woman may not get the chance to reunite with her mother, who suffers from uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure
"Hope she will have a chance to see her daughter alive again," he said.
The activist used the case to remind Malaysians — particularly young people — to be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers, whether from relationships or job opportunities abroad
"Young men with handsome faces can easily win a young girl's heart. Meanwhile, young men also must not be gullible. Offers of job opportunities may come with a heavy price.
"Do not fall for promises of big wages or salaries. It is often nothing more than a trap," Kuan cautioned.
