Fitness trainer charged over staff abuse, wildlife law
The accused, who operates a popular gym, was arrested after four of his workers lodged reports on June 16, 17 and 18, individually detailing the physical and verbal abuses they allegedly suffered in their workplace.
Following the reports, police arrested the suspect and raided his home in Petaling Jaya, where they found a Sri Lankan maid with no documents, who is also believed to be a victim of abuse.
Police found several species of protected animals being kept as pets in his house.
The suspect was remanded for three days before Petaling Jaya police obtained another six days of remand against the suspect.
Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed that the man was charged with four counts of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.
He was released on bail. He said all four reports from the suspect's workers were being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon, which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine, or whipping, or both upon conviction. "All four assault cases are under the jurisdiction of Shah Alam police.
Another abuse case involving the suspect, under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007, is being investigated by Petaling Jaya police.
The case involves allegations of severe mistreatment of a domestic worker by the suspect." Iqbal said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) was roped in to investigate the suspect after police found a lutong (langur), a wildcat and a sun bear at his home.
"Perhilitan is pursuing the case against the suspect under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010".
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