The Malaysian Bar has supported the Attorney-General's Chamber's move to appeal the sentence imposed on a 'Datin' who had been found guilty of physically abusing her maid.

“The blatantly light sentence meted upon the accused is shocking and inappropriate, especially in light of the extreme and appalling nature of the injuries inflicted upon Suyanti Sutrinso.

"The courts ought to impose a more appropriate sentence in accordance with the law, to commensurate with the grievous nature of the crime that was committed.

"A deterrent sentence is warranted in this case, to convey clearly the strong message that all persons are equal before the law; and that the abuse of any person in Malaysia - and migrant workers are no exception - is not condoned by the state, and offenders will be subject to severe punishment," Bar president George Varughese said in a statement today.

Rozita Mohamad Ali was pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt to her Indonesian maid Suyanti, 21.

On March 15, Rozita was let off with a five-year good behaviour bond of RM20,000 with one surety.

Sessions Court judge Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar handed out the sentence after Rozita pleaded guilty to an amended charge under Section 326 of the Penal Code.

Rozita, 44, was charged with using, among others, a kitchen knife, a mop and an umbrella to assault Suyanti in Rozita's house between 7am and 12pm on June 21, 2016.

On March 17, attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali reportedly confirmed his office would challenge the court's decision with regard to the good behaviour bond.

However, Rozita and her bailor, who is a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) official, failed to turn up at the High Court in Shah Alam yesterday.

An attempt to serve them with a notice reportedly failed, as Rozita was neither at her house in Damansara or her family home in Malacca, while the bailor is missing as well.