GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA – Datuk Ooi Khar Giap, the former chairman of the Penang Front Party (PFP), has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of human trafficking involving forced labor. The 57-year-old was found guilty on two counts of exploiting a 36-year-old woman, Law Yih Yng, for labor.

Judge Mazdi Abdul Hamid delivered the sentence in a Penang court, imposing six years for each charge, to run concurrently. The court concluded that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, rejecting the defense's arguments.

Ooi was convicted of forcing Law Yih Yng to work at the Happy Food Court in Simpang Ampat between June and July 2022, and subsequently at Jalan Kedah from July to October 2022. The charges were brought under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, combined with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

During the trial, the defense, led by Eng Yuh Pei and Tan Jia Jing, argued that there was no evidence of physical violence or injury to the victim. They also noted that the investigating officer confirmed the victim felt safe while under Ooi's care. The defense requested a stay of execution pending an appeal to the High Court.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Jun Keong countered that the methods used by Ooi constituted labor exploitation, regardless of any claimed rehabilitative intent.

Judge Mazdi granted a stay of execution on the condition that Ooi's appeal notice be filed immediately. Bail was set at RM40,000 for each case, with two Malaysian sureties required. Ooi, who received the title of Datuk in 2007, will now serve a six-year prison sentence unless his appeal is successful.

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