Two alleged land-based migrant smugglers, including a Rohingya man, were brought before the Sessions Court here today on charges of smuggling 12 undocumented migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh using a car in Tumpat last month.
The accused, Mohd Rozi Isa, 48, and Solim Sultan Amin, 31, who holds a refugee card issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, indicated they understood the charges when they were read before Judge Zulkpli Abdullah.
However, no plea was recorded from both men as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court due to its nature involving migrant smuggling.
According to the charge, the duo allegedly transported 12 Myanmar and Bangladesh nationals using a Perodua Bezza in a bush area at Kampung Telaga Bata, Chabang Empat near Tumpat at around 11pm on March 25.
They were charged under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670), read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Aiysha Na’ilah Harizan, while both accused were unrepresented.
The court denied bail, noting that any application must be made at the High Court.
The case has been fixed for mention on May 21.
