A Malaysian couple has been charged with beating, scalding and exploiting their Indonesian maid in the latest abuse case in Malaysia despite new rules to better protect maids, a prosecutor said on Saturday.
A series of cases involving the abuse of Indonesian maids by their Malaysian employers has strained ties between the Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia lifted a three-year ban this year on sending maids to Malaysia after the countries agreed to better protect the maids, including giving them one day off per week.
Prosecutor Chuah Shyue Chien said Mohamad Shukur Suradi, 28, and his wife, Daeng Norulasyikin Bachok, 27, pleaded not guilty Friday to causing grievous harm to their 21-year-old maid, Marsini, who like many Indonesians uses one name.
Chuah alleged that the couple used a knife, a golf club, a clothes hanger and a belt to hit Marsini and scalded her with hot oil and water between July and September 23 at their home in southern Johor state.
The car salesman and his teacher wife also were charged under the Anti-Human Trafficking Act with exploiting Marsini by making her work long hours and working against her will, Chuah said.
They face up to 35 years in jail and whipping if convicted for both offenses.