Pinay, Malaysian husband convicted for trafficking

A Filipino woman and her Malaysian husband were convicted by a Malaysian court in Kuala Lumpur lfor trafficking three Filipinas and forcing them into prostitution in 2009. The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia said the Jalan Duta Sessions Court 14 sentenced on October 14 Kwong Tuck Choy and his wife Nancy to eight years' imprisonment and a fine of RM30,000 (US$10,000). "The vigorous prosecution undertaken by the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Malaysian Attorney General's Chamber is a clear manifestation of the host Government's resolve in addressing illegal trafficking in persons, particularly its worst form, for prostitution," a report of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. "We are grateful for the full attention the authorities have given to this case," Ambassador-designate J. Eduardo Malaya said in welcoming the conviction. However, the embassy cited reports showing the sessions court allowed a stay in the implementation of the sentence pending the appeal filed by the accused at the Malaysian High Court. A bail of RM10,000 (US$3,333) each and other requirements, including a monthly visit to the Sentul Police Station, were imposed on them. During the trial, the three Filipinas - two aged 23 and one aged 24 - testified against the couple and were later repatriated to the Philippines. On the other hand, the Embassy said it looked after the welfare of the accused Filipina, to ensure that her legal rights under local laws were respected. Singaporean trafficking suspect Meanwhile, criminal prosecution for human trafficking is currently underway against Singaporean national Alfred Lim who was earlier doing business in Malaysia. He is facing complaints filed by two Filipinas in 2009. A decision on this particular case is expected shortly, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Meanwhile, the Embassy in Malaysia reiterated its appeal to all Filipinos to be vigilant when seeking overseas employment. It encouraged Filipinos to verify the identity of their prospective recruiters with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) or the nearest Embassy or Philippine Overseas Labor Office so they would not fall prey to human traffickers. - VVP, GMA News