[UPDATED] 195 M’sian job scam victims stranded in four Indochinese countries, 87 rescued

KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 195 Malaysians have fallen victim to overseas job scam syndicates and were left stranded in several Southeast Asian countries, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah. 

As of September 2, Saifuddin said the number of victims reported in Cambodia is 148, Laos (22), Myanmar (two) and Thailand (23). 

In a statement today, he said 87 victims were successfully rescued with the support of local authorities in the respective countries.

“The number of victims who have been successfully rescued and brought home from Cambodia is 65, Laos (10), Myanmar (two) and Thailand (10),” he said.

All reports and documents received by the ministry, he said, will be channelled directly to relevant Malaysian diplomatic representatives. This will then be used for immediate follow-up action with authorities of those aforementioned countries. 

The Indera Mahkota MP explained that the process is subject to the procedures and laws in the countries involved, which include investigations, espionage, rescue efforts, and documentation, and will take time.  

This comes after letters were sent by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong and Kesidang assemblyman Seah Shoo Chin to Saifuddin, requesting the ministry’s help and cooperation in freeing and bringing home the Malaysians, who are victims of job scam syndicates. 

“The ministry takes seriously the reports pertaining to Malaysians who are victims of these syndicates,” Saifuddin said.  

“The ministry, through its Malaysian representatives abroad, has always worked closely with the authorities of relevant host countries to help rescue the victims, while working together with the police to bring the victims home immediately.” 

He called on individuals or relatives who are victims of fraudulent job offer syndicates abroad to lodge a police report to assist in proper investigations. 

“Individuals or relatives can also contact the ministry through the Consular Assistance Unit for Malaysians Abroad via [email protected] or report directly to the ministry’s Consular Division for further assistance.  

“The ministry advises Malaysians to always be wary of offers to work abroad, especially for jobs that offer a good salary and are accepted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, Wechat, and others,” he added. 

The Vibes had earlier reported on the harrowing experiences of some of the victims in Cambodia where their salaries were withheld, and they were physically and mentally abused. 

They had to endure the gruelling ordeals for months when they were held captive by an online scam syndicate in Cambodia

Several videos of the victims being physically tortured, abused, and subjected to other horrid conditions were shared with The Vibes while many were posted on Jelutong MCA’s Facebook page to caution against falling prey to online job ads that promise lucrative pay in US dollars.

Those who alleged that they were scam victims said they were only allowed to return home after their families paid ransoms of up to RM100,000 – an ordeal complicated by geopolitics, syndicates and corruption. – The Vibes, September 4, 2022