Businessman claims trial to hiring, harbouring illegal migrant workers
GEORGE TOWN: A businessman was charged in the magistrate's court here today with two counts of employing six undocumented migrant workers and allowing one of them to remain on business premises last month.
Tan Kah Harn, 38, claimed trial to both charges when they were read out before magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi.
On the first charge, he is accused of employing six Myanmar nationals, aged between 22 and 43, who did not possess valid work permits, at a business premises in West Jelutong at 1.30pm on May 29.
The offence, under Section 55B(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 (Act 155), carries a jail term of between six months and five years, and a maximum of six strokes of the rotan upon conviction.
On the second charge, he is alleged to have permitted one of the Myanmar nationals without a valid pass to enter or remain on the premises at the same time and location.
This offence, under Section 55E(1) of the same Act, is punishable by a fine of between RM5,000 and RM30,000, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, for each undocumented individual, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Danial Amir Saad appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer K. Mahendran.
Ahmad Danial requested bail to be set at RM15,000 for the first charge and RM5,000 for the second.
However, Mahendran urged the court to consider a lower amount, saying that his client, a Penang resident, was married with two children and also caring for his ailing parents.
"My client was released on police bail on June 3 and has been fully cooperative. He has complied with all conditions imposed, and we therefore request minimal bail," he said.
The court set bail at RM8,000 for the first charge and RM5,000 for the second, and fixed July 15 for mention pending submission of documents.
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