Woman charged with killing Indonesian maid in Penang


Looi Sue-Chern

A WOMAN was today charged with murdering an Indonesian maid, at the Bukit Mertajam magistrates’ court.

M.A.S. Ambika, 59, allegedly caused the death of Adelina Lisao, 26, at her home in Taman Kota Permai, Bukit Mertajam, at 4pm on February 10.

No plea was recorded from Ambika, who was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Adelina’s death has sparked a debate on the need to strengthen protection for migrant workers. Her death has also caused Indonesia to consider revisiting a moratorium on sending maids to Malaysia.

Magistrate Muhamad Anas Mahadzir set April 19 for mention.

Counsel Muhaimin Hashim appeared for Ambika, on behalf of lawyer Ramkarpal Singh.

The accused’s daughter, R. Jayavartiny, 32, claimed trial to allegedly employing Adelina with the knowledge that the Indonesian had no legal work permit.

She allegedly committed the offence, under Section 55B(1) of the Immigration Act, from March last year to February 10.

The offence carries a fine of not less than RM10,000 and not more than RM50,000, a jail term of not more than 12 months, or both.

Deputy public prosecutor Hamzah Azhan asked that the court fix bail at RM20,000. 

Muhaimin, who also represented Jayavartiny, appealed for a lower bail of RM12,000, saying his client, who works in sales, had to raise money for her mother’s case.

Anas set bail at RM15,000, and April 19 for mention, pending the submission of documents.

Jayavartiny’s 39-year-old brother, who was also remanded, was released as a prosecution witness.

On February 11, Adelina died while receiving treatment at Bukit Mertajam Hospital.

She had been sent to the hospital a day earlier after her situation was highlighted to the media and police by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim’s office.

It was reported that she had suffered severe injuries to the head and face, and had infected wounds on the hands and legs.

It was also reported that Adelina had been forced to sleep with her employers’ dog on the porch outside the house for two months. – February 21, 2018.


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Comments


  • If the acussed proven to be guilty. Just hang her by road side. The daugther should be charged for murder as well, but was charged under illegal hiring. Even animal won't treat their kind in such a cruel way.

    Posted 8 years ago by Jay Jay · Reply

    • No lah, better to tie her daughter next to a hungry pitbull, and make sure it is not fed. She will be watching from another cage.

      Posted 8 years ago by Su Kian Hui · Reply

    • If found guilty, better for them to do a lifetime of community service like cleaning drains, sweeping roads under hot sun. Death sentence is too easy way out.

      Posted 8 years ago by Awang Top · Reply

    • good idea

      Posted 8 years ago by Su Kian Hui · Reply