A 35-year-old Myanmar man was charged at the Sessions Court in Ipoh with allegedly smuggling seven fellow Myanmar migrants at Kilometre 261.9 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS), southbound, near the Menora Tunnel on 13 July.
The proceedings were postponed after the accused, Zaw Zaw Aung, was unable to understand the charge read in Malay. Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad fixed 9 September for the next case mention to allow the appointment of a Myanmar interpreter.
The accused was charged under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and may also include a fine, or both, upon conviction. No bail was offered as he is being detained under SOSMA.
In a separate proceeding at the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court, the accused was also charged with remaining in Malaysia without a valid passport or travel documents at the same time and location. Magistrate S Punitha postponed the case and fixed 28 August for the appointment of a Myanmar interpreter.
The immigration charge was brought under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, punishable under Section 6(3) with a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, as well as up to six strokes of the cane, upon conviction. The accused was not represented by legal counsel in either court.
