Woman in Penang charged with Indonesian maid's murder

S. Ambika (second from right) and her daughter Jayavartiny are led to court on Feb 21, 2018. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

BUKIT MERTAJAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A 59-year-old Malaysianwoman who allegedly abused her Indonesian maid to death, has claimed trial at the magistrate's court on Wednesday (Feb 21).

S. Ambika was charged with causing the death of Adelina Lisao at a house in Medan Kota Permai 2, Taman Kota Permai, in Penang at 5pm on Feb 10, 2018.

The charge was made under a section of the Penal Code for murder which carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

No plea was recorded from Ambika.

Her daughter Jayavartiny was charged with hiring Adelina despite knowing the latter had no valid work permit.

If convicted, the offence under the Immigration Act for harbouring the illegal foreign worker carries a fine between RM10,000 (S$3,380) to RM50,000, a jail term of no more than 12 months, or both.

She claimed trial to the charge.

Both Ambika and Jayavartiny, 32, arrived at the courthouse in a police van at about 1.50pm.

Jayavartiny's brother who was also arrested in connection to the case, has been released but will appear as a witness during the trial.

Magistrate Muhamad Anas Mahadzir set April 19 for mention for both cases, and allowed RM15,000 bail with one surety for Jayavartiny.

Police arrested Ambika on Feb 12, two days after Jayavartiny and her 39-year-old brother were arrested over the alleged abuse of Adelina.

Adelina died at Bukit Mertajam Hospital on Feb 11 after being rescued a day earlier from the suspects' home, where she was found sleeping on the porch with a Rottweiler.

She had wounds on her body and died of multiple organ failure.

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