Employer claims trial to hiring illegal

KOTA KINABALU: A man claimed trial at the Sessions court here yesterday to hiring an illegal immigrant at an oil factory here.

George Voo Yu Loong, 27, who appeared before judge Azreena Aziz, was charged under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The indictment carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both, for each illegal immigrant harboured, upon conviction.

George was alleged to have employed Michael Tai Hayon, 38, who had no valid pass, at the said premises in Jalan Beacon, Batu 30 Kimanis, Papar at 10.40am on April 20.

The court fixed October 22-23 this year for trial and released the accused, who was represented by a lawyer, on RM5,000 bail with RM2,500 to be deposited and two local sureties, pending disposal of the case.

Meanwhile, 11 men and six women were jailed between four and five months by the same court for entering the state illegally.

The judge imposed the sentence on all of the foreigners aged between 20 and 40, after they pleaded guilty to each of their charges under Section 6 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Some of the men also received a stroke of the cane and all of the foreigners were ordered to be referred to the Immigration Department for their biometrics data to be taken before deportation to their country.