Police rescue 16-year-old from alleged sex-trafficking ring in Arau

Law enforcement in Arau carried out a raid that rescued a 16-year-old girl alleged to have been sexually exploited by a prostitution syndicate using the MiChat social-media platform. Deputy Commissioner Hamzah Hashim of Perlis police reported that two men were arrested for promoting prostitution and abusing the victim. The operation stemmed from intelligence about child exploitation in the locality.

Prosecutors are charging the suspects under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, punishable by life imprisonment, a minimum five-year term and caning. Additional charges under Section 372(1)(e) of the Penal Code could add up to 15 years in jail, whipping and fines. The police highlighted the seriousness of the offenses and the need for swift action against child trafficking.