KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- An Indonesian cook was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the High Court here today for smuggling in 24 of her compatriots two years ago.
Judge Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor handed down the sentence to Erni Kuswati, 30, after she pleaded guilty to the charge. The court ordered her to serve the prison sentence starting from her date of arrest on Nov 24, 2024.
The woman was charged with smuggling 24 Indonesian migrants, aged between 30 and 50, at a house in Jalan Sarjana, Taman Seri Cendekia here, between Nov 20 and 24, 2024.
The prosecution was filed under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and may also include a fine, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Syazwani Zawawi, requested a custodial sentence, taking into account the accused's actions which could threaten national sovereignty and public interest.
"It is hoped that this heavy sentence will serve as a lesson to locals or illegal migrants living in Malaysia who intend to commit the same offence," she said.
However, Erni Kuswati, who was unrepresented by counsel, pleaded for a lighter sentence.
-- BERNAMA
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