The Penang High Court has ordered R Jayavartiny and her mother S Ambika to pay RM750,000 in damages to the family of Indonesian maid Adelina Lisao, who died in 2018 due to abuse and neglect. Adelina’s mother, Yohana Banunaek, filed the lawsuit for negligence and breach of contract, seeking compensation for the mistreatment that led to her daughter’s death. The court awarded RM500,000 in aggravated damages and RM250,000 in general damages, ruling that the defendants’ actions violated Adelina’s human rights and showed a blatant disregard for her well-being.

The abuse, including dog bites and lack of proper food or medical treatment, was deemed cruel and unjustified. Justice Anand Ponnudurai emphasized that the case served to deter similar conduct in the future. The defendants, who failed to defend themselves in court, had employed Adelina since 2015. Despite an agreement to pay her RM1,500 per month, she never received any payment before her death. The case also highlighted violations of the constitutional prohibition on slavery and forced labor.

Although Ambika had been previously acquitted of Adelina’s murder in 2019, the civil suit found the defendants liable for negligence. Yohana was awarded RM25,000 in costs.

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Sources:
Free Malaysia Today
NST
Benar News
Free Malaysia Today (2024)