By: Stephen Then

MIRI, MALAYSIA - Three men claimed trial to charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of having forcefully "traded" two Filipino women who came to Sarawak to work for commercial gains.

This is believed to be the first time the Act was used to charge offenders.

The three pleaded not guilty to charges under the Act, which provides for punishment against those convicted of having "traded" humans for commercial benefit, such as forced prostitution.

The Act was mooted in 2007 but was passed by Parliament recently.

Taxi driver Chin Shong Fook, 48, business manager Kuan Seng Yon, 23, and waiter Wong Chung Wei, 25, pleaded not guilty before acting Sessions Judge Musyri Peet here.

The three are each charged with two counts of "selling" the women. They are alleged to have "sold" Lalane Fontanilla Balcorta, 29, at the third floor of a shoplot in Jalan Bintang, here, at 11.30am on July 3.

In the second charge, the three are accused of having "sold" Gerlie Sanguyo Shin, 24, at the same place and date.

Under the charges, they are said to have exploited the women for their selfish benefits.

It was not mentioned in the charges how or to whom the women were sold.

Each of the charges under Section 13 of the Act carries up to 20 years' jail and a fine of up to RM150,000 (SGD61,140).

The three, from Miri, were each granted bail of RM50,000 in two sureties with RM3,000 cash bail to be deposited with the court.

The hearing has been set for Sept 1 to Sept 4.

--The Star/ANN