55-year-old accused of supplying underage kids for illegal work
A 55-year-old Malaysian woman has been charged in Johor Bahru with trafficking and exploiting two underage children for illegal labour. The case, which involves a boy and a teenage girl believed to be from the Philippines, has raised fresh concerns over cross-border child exploitation in Southeast Asia.
Accused Pleads Not Guilty in Johor Court
Haliza Palok, a mother of four, pleaded not guilty on May 30 before Sessions Court judge Thalha Bachok @ Embok Mok. She faces two serious charges involving a boy aged between 10 and 12, and a girl aged 13 to 15, whom she allegedly exploited for illegal work at a battery factory. The crimes were allegedly committed on December 19, 2024, at Jalan Kargo 2 in Senai Airport City, Johor.
Charges Carry Severe Penalties
Haliza faces a charge under Section 5(1)(c) of the Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966, which carries up to a year’s imprisonment, a RM5,000 fine (≈ SGD 1,331), or both. The more severe charge under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 could land her up to 30 years in prison, with whipping, if found guilty.
Children Believed to Be Filipino Nationals
The children involved are reportedly from the Philippines and were allegedly made to work under exploitative conditions. Haliza is said to have operated as a middleperson, supplying underage workers to businesses in the area. This adds a transnational element to the case, further complicating legal and diplomatic implications.
Legal Arguments and Bail Conditions
Deputy public prosecutor Tan Yen Thung led the prosecution, while Amarpreet Singh represented Haliza. The defence argued for lower bail, citing the accused’s hypertension, unemployment, and lack of prior notice regarding the charges. The court granted bail at RM17,000 with two sureties, and imposed strict conditions, including monthly reporting, passport surrender, and non-contact with victims.
Trial Date and Ongoing Investigation
Judge Thalha scheduled August 27 for the next court mention and the discovery of related documents. Authorities continue to investigate the broader network potentially involved in this case, with attention now turning to potential employers and intermediaries linked to the exploitation.
This case sheds light on the urgent need for tighter safeguards against child labour and human trafficking across ASEAN borders. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans, it’s a stark reminder of how regional trafficking networks exploit legal loopholes and vulnerable communities. The proceedings in Johor will be closely watched as authorities move to clamp down on these grave offences.
Sources: The Star (2025) , Free Malaysia Today (2025)
Keywords: Haliza Palok Case, Johor Child Exploitation, Malaysian Trafficking Charges, Filipino Children Forced Labour, Johor Sessions Court, Trafficking Trial Malaysia
