KUALA LUMPUR: A self-employed man pleaded not guilty in the Selayang Sessions Court here today to eight counts of human trafficking, involving Vietnamese nationals, for sexual exploitation.
Chang Yoong Siong, 35, with another person still at large, was charged with trafficking in the women, including a juvenile, at Kondominium Kepong Sentral, Taman Puncak Desa, Kepong, at 10pm last May 20.
The charges, under Section 12 and 14 of the Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrant Act 2007, provide imprisonment of up to 15 years and is liable to a fine, if found guilty.
Judge Zarifah Zainal Abidin allowed Chang bail of RM96,000 on all charges and to report himself at the nearest police station every fortnight.
Chang was also warned not to intimidate the victims.
Deputy Public Prosecutor S Arunjothy prosecuted, while Chang was represented by lawyer Melvinder Singh.
– BERNAMA