Former police commissioner Christine Nixon highlighted in a January report 'abuses of sexual exploitation, human trafficking and other organised crime' in the immigration system.

This comes weeks after top rival Zara owner Inditex said it is phasing out purchases from the Southeast Asian country.

Footage on social media had shown a woman striking toddlers on the head and face as she fed them, and repeatedly forcing food into their mouths even as they cried.

Malaysia has faced accusations of forced labour in manufacturing and palm oil production over the years, including some by the US, which banned imports from several of its firms for such practices.

Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses, including forced labour, mass surveillance and having placed 1 million or more Uighurs - a mainly Muslim ethnic group - in a network of internment camps in Xinjiang.

The Rumah Bonda founder says she never had any need to do such things to the girl.

Siti Bainun Ahd Razali defends herself from charges of neglecting and abusing the 13-year-old girl.

Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi says the defence proceedings must go on so as not to disrupt the course of the case.

Lawyers for Liberty says the matter deserves an immediate and thorough investigation instead of 'outright dismissal' by the minister.

Her testimony could not be reported by the media as she is a child witness.

Five others previously under the care of Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali are also in court for the proceedings.

While the trial has been unusual in the prominence it has given to male victims, whether it will affect future cases remains to be seen.