Chu Nyuk Sheng was charged with three counts of trafficking two 15-year-olds – a Malaysian and a foreigner – and another 17-year-old foreigner for sexual exploitation, Berita Harian reported.

The charge under Section 14(1) of the Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act is punishable by five years to life in prison and whipping, upon conviction.

Chu was also charged with trafficking a 30-year-old foreign woman for the same purpose, an offence under Section 12 of the same Act and punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine, if convicted.

No plea was recorded before magistrate Nur Faezah Jafry, who did not allow bail and fixed mention for June 15 before the sessions court.

Deputy public prosecutor Ong Teik Yi prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.

According to the case facts, Chu was arrested after police conducted a late-night raid on a hotel in Sandakan on May 14, leading to the rescue of the four victims.