Suhaimi and two others who have already been charged, and two still at large, were accused of jointly trafficking in four individuals, including three women aged 30 to 57, for forced labour through threats.

The offences were allegedly committed at Ikhwan Resort in Kampung Air Bintan, Ladang Sungai Papan, Bandar Penawar, near here, from May until Oct 1.

Suhaimi was charged under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Zahier Rosli.

Suhaimi was granted bail at RM5,000 for each charge with the additional conditions that he should not contact the prosecution witnesses or victims, report monthly to the Kluang police headquarters and surrender his passport to the court.

Judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan granted the bail after Khairuddin confirmed that the accused was no longer detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

The court fixed the next mention for the case on Nov 28.

Earlier today, Suhaimi, along with GISBH CEO Nasiruddin Ali and his wife Azura Yusof, who are facing charges of involvement in an organised criminal group, filed a habeas corpus application in the Johor Bahru High Court seeking immediate release.

In their application, the three applicants requested that the High Court issue a writ of habeas corpus to release them from what they claim is unlawful arrest and detention by the respondents.

Suhaimi named the home minister, inspector-general of police, and government as the first to third respondents, while Nasiruddin and Azura named the home minister, inspector-general of police, public prosecutor, the director of prisons for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and the government as the first to fifth respondents.