KUCHING: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) D3 Atipsom branch will enlist the help of Interpol and Aseanapol to locate and rescue eight Sarawakians, who have been forced to work as scammers in Myanmar after falling victim to job scams.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also be alerted to expedite the rescue operations and the repatriation of the victims.
He said that recently, the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) had received three police reports regarding the victims of job offers in Thailand.
“The victims are all men aged between 25 and 35; five are from from Sibu, two from Tanjung Manis and one from Julau.
“They fell victim to the job offers advertised in Facebook which offered lucrative salaries ranging from RM3,000 to RM6,000 per person.
“However, the victims were left entirely in the dark about the nature of these jobs,” he said told a press conference today.
Mohd Azman said upon arrival in Thailand, the victims were swiftly transported to Myanmar where they were forced into fraudulent activities as scammers.
If they failed to meet the targets set by their employers, they would be fined, physically abused, and threatened to be sold to other syndicates.
He said the victims were prevented from contacting their families but they secretly managed to get in touch with their families.
“The case will be investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Act 670), which carries up to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines, upon conviction.
“In light of this, the public are advised to exercise caution with job offers that promise substantial salaries, both abroad and within the country.
“They are also urged to verify the potential employers with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ensure that contracts and agreements are clear before accepting any job offers,” he said.
For those who suspect that their loved ones may have fallen victim to similar schemes, they should seek the aid of local authorities, representatives, or the Malaysian embassy.
Alternatively, their family members can lodge a police report to initiate the necessary rescue.
