Federal Court upholds death sentences for couple in cook's killing

The Federal Court has upheld death sentences imposed on a married couple found guilty of killing a cook in a case involving debt, forced labour, and violence. The high court's decision marks the final stage of the legal proceedings against the defendants, who were convicted of the woman's murder. Court proceedings previously revealed that the couple had coerced the victim into prostitution and subjected her to severe beatings when she failed to generate the required payments. The debt at the centre of the case amounted to RM800. The victim's death occurred against a backdrop of exploitation and physical abuse, according to evidence presented during earlier hearings. The confirmation of the death sentences underscores the judiciary's stance on crimes involving forced labour, abuse, and homicide. Legal experts note that cases combining human trafficking elements with fatal violence represent among the most serious criminal matters brought before Malaysian courts.