2 charged with abducting baby

GEORGE TOWN - Two women appeared before the Sessions Court here yesterday to face two counts of kidnapping and trafficking a 7-month-old baby.

Clerk Zuzita Ahmad, 43, and shop assistant Ooi Hooi Ling, 36, claimed trial to the offences.

On the first charge, the duo allegedly kidnapped the baby from the care of her grandmother at a flat in Lorong Lembah Ria 1, Taman Happy Valley, at 3.30pm last Thursday.

The second offence was allegedly committed at the surau of a longhouse in Tanjung Tokong at 5pm the same day.

Under Section 363 of the Penal Code, the kidnapping offence carries a maximum seven years' jail and fine, while the second offence, under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, carries a maximum 20 years' jail and fine upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Lim Cheah Yit asked the court not to grant bail to the two accused on the grounds that the offences were serious.

She said human trafficking was becoming rampant and should be stamped out.

"Both accused know the complainant, who is the baby's grandmother.

"There is a risk if both the accused were granted bail, they would threaten and harass the complainant.

"They know where the grandmother and infant stay.

"It is also in the interest of the public. The prosecution objects to bail being granted."

Zuzita, in pleading for bail, said she had an ailing mother to care for, as well as schoolgoing children.

"I have someone to bail me out. I will also hire a lawyer."

Ooi told the court that someone would be posting bail for her.

Sessions Court judge Wan Norzanuar Wan Ahmad denied bail to both accused and fixed Jan 22 for case management.

Both accused were not represented.