Three men, including two foreign nationals, were brought before the Sessions Court in Johor Baru today, facing charges related to the alleged kidnapping of a 59-year-old businessman, with a ransom demand of RM20 million. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about security, has led to multiple arrests and a complex legal process.
One of the accused, Chong Shih Ming, a 46-year-old Malaysian businessman, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him by Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim. Chong, a local, faces grave accusations alongside two Vietnamese nationals, identified as Luong Van Tung, 39, and Tran Van Chung, 29. However, due to language barriers, both Luong and Tran were unable to enter pleas. This complication has necessitated further administrative steps, including the involvement of translators, to ensure the fair administration of justice for the foreign nationals.
The charges against the three men fall under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Act 1960, which, when read in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code, carries severe penalties. If convicted, each individual could face a maximum prison sentence of 40 years, in addition to potential whipping. This strict penalty underscores the Malaysian government’s strong stance against kidnapping crimes, reflecting the seriousness with which such cases are handled in the judicial system.
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Thiviya argued against granting bail to the accused due to the severity of the charges. However, if bail were to be considered, she suggested a high bail sum of RM30,000, along with stringent conditions to ensure compliance with legal proceedings. The prosecutor’s stance highlighted the gravity of the crime and the necessity of a strict approach to deter such offenses.
Chong’s defense lawyer, K. Veeranesh, countered with a plea for a reduced bail amount. He argued that Chong is financially responsible for supporting his elderly parents, and his monthly income from his business typically ranges between RM5,000 and RM6,000. Given Chong’s financial obligations and limited income, Veeranesh requested leniency in setting the bail amount. Following these arguments, the judge set bail for Chong at RM50,000, along with one surety. As part of his bail conditions, Chong is required to report to the police on a monthly basis, surrender his passport, and refrain from contacting any witnesses or the victim involved in the case.
Meanwhile, Luong and Tran were denied bail and will remain in custody until their next court appearance on November 17, pending the completion of the translation of charges. The court’s decision to withhold bail for the foreign nationals reflects a cautious approach due to the lack of legal clarity from their side and the nature of the crime.
In a related matter, Nguyen Ngoc Ngan, a 36-year-old Vietnamese woman, was charged separately in the magistrate’s court with the alleged disposal of a Honda Accord 2.4. This act was reportedly intended to shield Chong from prosecution, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Nguyen pleaded not guilty to the charge, which falls under Section 201 of the Penal Code. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison and a fine. Her lawyer, Goh Sze Han, presented her case for bail, noting that Nguyen is married to a Malaysian citizen and is the mother of two children, aged 12 and 14.
Magistrate A. Sharmini granted Nguyen bail, setting it at RM7,000, and scheduled the next hearing for November 17. This additional development in the case further emphasizes the intricate legal proceedings surrounding the alleged kidnapping and its related incidents.
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