Online scam syndicate members deny abusing teen employee, face prison and fines

Four individuals, including two minors aged 15 and 17, have pleaded not guilty to charges of ill-treatment, voluntarily causing harm to a 15-year-old teenager, and possession of pornographic materials. Soh Sun Hung, 20 years old, and Yap Kah Seng, 22 years old, along with the two minors, are believed to be part of an online scam syndicate and were the teenager’s employers.

The accused were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2002 for ill-treating the teenager at a house in Jalan Klebang Jaya 3, Taman Klebang Jaya, in Melaka Tengah, between 8pm last May and 1am the following day. If found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of RM20,000 or both.

Additionally, the four men were jointly charged under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing harm to the boy during a robbery at the same location and date. Judge Mohd Sabri Ismail granted each of the accused bail of RM20,000 on both charges and set the hearing for July 14.

In a separate court, Magistrate Nurul Asyikin Rosli heard the four individuals plead not guilty to possession of pornographic materials in their respective mobile phones. The alleged offence took place at Jalan Jati 6, Taman Jati Hang Tuah Jaya, at 3.45pm last May 31. The charge, under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code, carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine or both, if found guilty. The court set bail at RM3,500 each and fixed the hearing for July 14.