Teoh Beng Sim, 56, and Teh Hooi Fung, 36, pleaded not guilty to the charge of committing assault and violent acts against their maid at their home on Jalan Perpaduan Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam at an unspecified date or period.

Teoh and Teh were charged with using force or other forms of coercion against Soy, who is in her 20s, under Section 31 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine, upon conviction.

The victim was not fully identified as the Act does not allow the press to reveal the identities of those trafficked.

Sessions court judge Noraini Yusoff allowed bail at RM15,000 for each of the accused, with one surety each. They are also required to report to the nearest police station on the 15th of every month until the case is disposed of.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhamad Syeqal Che Murat prosecuted while Supramaniam Kasia Pillai appeared for the accused.