PM Assures Govt Will Help Bring Malaysian Job Scam Victims Safely Home
"I would like to stress that the government is extremely concerned and views seriously the fate of Malaysians who are stranded [overseas]," said Ismail Sabri.
By May Vin Ang — 21 Sep 2022, 10:23 AM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has given his assurance that Malaysian victims of job scam syndicates abroad will be brought safely home
"The government is committed to assisting and resolving issues affecting Malaysians stranded abroad due to job scams," he said in a statement yesterday, 20 September, as quoted by New Straits Times.
"I would like to stress that the government is extremely concerned and views seriously the fate of Malaysians who are stranded in several countries, such as Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia."
Ismail Sabri also advised the public to be careful of job offers in other countries and to always verify them through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid being scammed
According to Bernama, a Cabinet meeting will be held today, 21 September, to discuss approaches to resolve the issue of Malaysians falling victim to these scams.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said measures being considered include a proposal to set up a special committee at the ASEAN level to address the matter.
"This issue requires the cooperation of all parties and it will be discussed (at the cabinet meeting) tomorrow," he said after meeting with the families of job scam victims and representatives of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) yesterday, 20 September.
Meanwhile, he advised Malaysians who are travelling abroad to always inform family members of their whereabouts, and if offered a job overseas, to check the name of the agency with the embassy of the country they are heading to.
Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad.
Image via Bernama/New Straits TimesIt was reported that a group of NGOs had sent the Prime Minister a memorandum on Monday, 19 September, requesting the government's assistance and intervention in resolving the human trafficking issue
A meeting was held yesterday between the Prime Minister, Abdul Latiff, and NGO representatives — Malaysia Community Crime Care (MCCC) president Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim — as well as the families of some victims.
16 Malaysians boarding a pickup truck to Phnom Penh, Cambodia after their rescue in April 2022.
Image via Cambodia Police/Khmer TimesAccording to Wisma Putra, 158 Malaysians have been reported missing by their families to these scam syndicates this year.
Of the total, 43 victims in Cambodia have been rescued.
A 23-year-old Malaysian recently died after he fell victim to a scam and was trafficked to Myanmar, where he was threatened and abused:
