Army Duo Charged With Transporting Illegal Immigrants In Bukit Kayu Hitam

ALOR SETAR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Two army personnel were brought before the Sessions Court here today on charges of transporting smuggled illegal immigrants in Bukit Kayu Hitam near here last month. 

Mohd Zulhilmi Aqwa A Rahman, 34, and Mohamad Johan Iskandar Shah Jeffry Pidin, 26, nodded in understanding after the charges were read out separately before Judge Sharmila Abdul Samad. 

No plea was recorded from both accused. 

According to the charge, Mohd Zulhilmi Aqwa was accused of transporting two Myanmar nationals, identified as Binajo, 19, and Antoi, 29, using a Toyota Yaris car. 

Meanwhile, Mohamad Johan Iskandar Shah was charged with transporting a 61-year-old Myanmar national, Win Shwe, using a Perodua Bezza car. 

Both accused were alleged to have committed the offence at Check Point Foxtrot, Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) at about 7.13 pm on May 22. 

They were charged under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, and may include a fine, or both upon conviction. 

Mohd Zulhilmi Aqwa was represented by lawyer Datuk G Shanmugam, while Mohamad Johan Iskandar Shah was not represented. 

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurfatin Mastura Asri, who handled the case, did not offer bail to both accused. 

The court fixed Aug 17 for case mention. 

-- BERNAMA