ACCUSED TRAFFICKER CHARGED UNDER NEW TIP 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