Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A Malaysian couple has been charged in the Klang Sessions Court with trafficking and abusing their Indonesian domestic helper in Serdang, Selangor, including allegedly pouring hot water into her mouth and causing severe injuries
According to the New Straits Times, Serdang district police chief ACP Muhamad Farid Ahmad said a 59-year-old woman was arrested about 1am on 20 October, followed by her 59-year-old husband three days later.
Their arrests came after a 37-year-old man lodged a police report upon receiving a WhatsApp message from his sister about the alleged incident at their family home.
Investigations revealed that the 47-year-old victim, identified only as Seni, had been subjected to repeated physical abuse — including being scalded with hot water, pinched on the breast until it became infected, burned on her legs, and kicked in the mouth, resulting in broken teeth
Initially, the case was investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) and Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt with dangerous means.
However, New Straits Times reported that the Attorney General's Chambers instructed that both suspects be charged under Section 13(a) of ATIPSOM 2007, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code today, 24 October.
Azhar Mat Taib, an electronics company director, and his wife, Zuzian Mahmud, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Mohd Sabri Ismail
The couple allegedly trafficked the victim for labour exploitation through threats that caused grievous harm at their home in Kota Perdana, Seri Kembangan, on 19 October.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or a jail term of at least five years, as well as whipping, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur Ayuni Jamri, assisted by Norhidayah Abdullah Sani, did not offer bail but proposed RM20,000 with one surety each
She also requested that the couple surrender their passports and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
Defence lawyer GS Gabriel pleaded for minimal bail, citing Azhar's heart condition, Zuzian's slipped disc, and their responsibility for three children, one of whom is studying law in the UK.
He also noted that the couple had fully cooperated with police and did not pose a flight risk.
The judge granted bail of RM20,000 each with one surety and imposed the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.
The case has been set for mention on 28 November.
