Two of them, Mahmad Hamal Tukiman, 57, and Rabiahtul Adawiyah Md Shash, 31, pleaded not guilty to four counts of trafficking people for forced labour before judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan.

Berita Harian reported that the duo, who are believed to be managers of a resort run by GISBH in Pengerang, were charged along with three others still at large.

Separately, a worker at the resort, Ansarullah Tukino, 20, pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexually assaulting a teenager.

According to the charge sheet, Mahmad and Rabiahtul allegedly trafficked three women and one man for forced labour at the resort from August last year and Oct 1.

They were charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine of up to RM250,000, or both, upon conviction.

The court allowed each of them to be released on bail of RM40,000 with two sureties. They were also ordered to surrender their passports and report to the nearest police station every month.

The case is set for mention on Nov 27.

Ansarullah was charged with groping a 16-year-old boy’s thigh and genitals at the resort’s mosque on June 1 and June 3.

He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and caning upon conviction.

The court granted him RM10,000 bail. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and report to the nearest police station every month.

The case is set for mention on Nov 28.

The police have arrested 415 people and rescued 625 victims, aged between two months and 28 years, during nationwide raids on GISBH-linked properties.