Police: 49 Indonesian women rescued from forced labour syndicate in Klang

MALAYSIAN authorities have rescued 49 Indonesian women believed to be victims of human trafficking and forced labour by a local employment syndicate operating in Klang, Selangor.

According to Director of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department, Datuk M. Kumar, some of the women had been exploited for as long as 13 years.

“All the victims, aged between 20 and 47, were lured to Malaysia with promises of employment as domestic helpers, restaurant workers, factory staff, or hair salon assistants. In reality, they were held captive and forced to work as cleaners in private homes without any pay,” he said during a press conference in Bukit Aman on Friday.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate targeted women from impoverished backgrounds, many with little to no formal education, offering them the prospect of legal employment in Malaysia.

“When they arrived, they were confined, had their mobile phones confiscated, and were closely monitored. Some had only been here five months, but others were trapped for as long as 13 years,” M. Kumar said.

The operation, dubbed Op Pintas TIP (Forced Labour), was led by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) unit under the Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with the National Strategic Office of the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (NSO MAPO).

Fourteen suspects have been arrested, comprising eight local men and three local women aged between 28 and 48, as well as three Indonesian women aged between 27 and 37. One of the Indonesian suspects tested positive for methamphetamine use.

“The syndicate operated like a small-scale company, with designated roles such as manager, clerk, and transporter,” M. Kumar explained.

All victims have been moved to a government protection shelter and placed under interim protection until 31 October.

During the raid, police also seized RM1,056,806 in cash, six vehicles, 71 passports, 19 mobile phones and five CCTV camera systems.

The suspects have been remanded for four to seven days under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code to assist investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. - October 17, 2025