Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KUALALUMPUR422
2008-05-23 09:28:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Cable title:
ACCUSED TRAFFICKER CHARGED UNDER NEW TIP LAW
how-toVZCZCXRO1702 PP RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH DE RUEHKL #0422 1440928 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 230928Z MAY 08 FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1033 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000422
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS AND G/TIP -- SALLY NEUMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR KCRM MY
SUBJECT: ACCUSED TRAFFICKER CHARGED UNDER NEW TIP LAW
REF: KL392 - AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH AG
First Prosecution Under New Law
-------------------------------
UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000422
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS AND G/TIP -- SALLY NEUMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR KCRM MY
SUBJECT: ACCUSED TRAFFICKER CHARGED UNDER NEW TIP LAW
REF: KL392 - AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH AG
First Prosecution Under New Law
--------------
1. (SBU) Malaysian authorities for the first time have
charged a suspected human trafficker under the country's new
comprehensive anti-trafficking law, which came into full
effect on February 28. On May 11 police charged Ee Chin Kai
with trafficking two Thai women for the purpose of sexual
exploitation. Police rescued the women during a raid in
Johor Baru in early March. Ee faces two charges of
trafficking. Each charge carries a mandatory jail sentence
with 15 years and a fine the maximum punishment. Judge
Muhammad Jamil Hussin set bail at 25,000 ringgit (about $
7,770) per charge. He is currently free on bail. A deputy
public prosecutor involved in the case told us the two Thai
trafficking victims are providing testimony to police. The
next court date for the case is September 17. (Note: Police
charged another individual on May 12 for trafficking two
Indian nationals for sexual exploitation in the Malaysian
state of Negeri Sembilan. Post is seeking more information
on this case. End note.)
Other TIP Related Events
--------------
2. (SBU) Ambassador Keith met with the Attorney General
Abdul Gani Pateil on May 12, and congratulated the AG on his
efforts to fight TIP. Abdul Gani was instrumental in
drafting Malaysia's comprehensive TIP law. Police conducted
a train-the-trainer seminar the week of May 12. The seminar
included representatives from the Attorney General Office,
Women's Ministry, and a U.S. ICE agent from DHS. The seminar
included an overview of the new law and role of the Women's
Ministry in protecting victims. The ICE representative
highlighted methods for identifying TIP victims and included
a Q&A session. Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan told
journalists on May 11 that trafficking is a "crime against
humanity." He expanded his comments by declaring a need for
an integrated approach to curb trafficking and protect TIP
victims. Gani made his statements at the opening of the
First ASEAN Regional Crime Prevention Foundation (ARCPF)
working group meeting.
KEITH
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS AND G/TIP -- SALLY NEUMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR KCRM MY
SUBJECT: ACCUSED TRAFFICKER CHARGED UNDER NEW TIP LAW
REF: KL392 - AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH AG
First Prosecution Under New Law
--------------
1. (SBU) Malaysian authorities for the first time have
charged a suspected human trafficker under the country's new
comprehensive anti-trafficking law, which came into full
effect on February 28. On May 11 police charged Ee Chin Kai
with trafficking two Thai women for the purpose of sexual
exploitation. Police rescued the women during a raid in
Johor Baru in early March. Ee faces two charges of
trafficking. Each charge carries a mandatory jail sentence
with 15 years and a fine the maximum punishment. Judge
Muhammad Jamil Hussin set bail at 25,000 ringgit (about $
7,770) per charge. He is currently free on bail. A deputy
public prosecutor involved in the case told us the two Thai
trafficking victims are providing testimony to police. The
next court date for the case is September 17. (Note: Police
charged another individual on May 12 for trafficking two
Indian nationals for sexual exploitation in the Malaysian
state of Negeri Sembilan. Post is seeking more information
on this case. End note.)
Other TIP Related Events
--------------
2. (SBU) Ambassador Keith met with the Attorney General
Abdul Gani Pateil on May 12, and congratulated the AG on his
efforts to fight TIP. Abdul Gani was instrumental in
drafting Malaysia's comprehensive TIP law. Police conducted
a train-the-trainer seminar the week of May 12. The seminar
included representatives from the Attorney General Office,
Women's Ministry, and a U.S. ICE agent from DHS. The seminar
included an overview of the new law and role of the Women's
Ministry in protecting victims. The ICE representative
highlighted methods for identifying TIP victims and included
a Q&A session. Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan told
journalists on May 11 that trafficking is a "crime against
humanity." He expanded his comments by declaring a need for
an integrated approach to curb trafficking and protect TIP
victims. Gani made his statements at the opening of the
First ASEAN Regional Crime Prevention Foundation (ARCPF)
working group meeting.
KEITH