An Indonesian cook was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the High Court of Malaysia today for smuggling 24 of her fellow countrymen two years ago.
Judge Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor handed down the sentence to 30-year-old Erni Kuswati, who pleaded guilty to the charges, ordering her jail term to begin from her arrest on 24 November 2024.
Erni was accused of facilitating the illegal entry of 24 Indonesian nationals, aged between 30 and 50, at a house on Jalan Sarjana, Taman Seri Cendekia, between 20 and 24 November 2024.
The prosecution was made under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries a maximum 20-year imprisonment, a fine, or both if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Syazwani Zawawi, urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, noting that the accused’s actions threatened national sovereignty and public interest.
“This heavy sentence is intended to serve as a warning to both locals and illegal migrants in Malaysia who may consider committing similar offences,” she said.
Erni, who was unrepresented in court, pleaded for a lighter sentence.
