KUCHING: Unknown to a job scam syndicate, a concealed spare handphone was the only means of communication between one of the six Sarawakians – who was conned into accepting a non-existent “lucrative job offer” in Cambodia – and his family members here.
A family member told newsmen at Batu Kitang assemblyman Loh Khere Chiang’s service centre yesterday (May 6) that the victim apparently had two mobile phones, one of which was confiscated.
“He had another cell phone which he kept hidden from the syndicate members and used it to contact us from time to time. Their (the six victims) passports, identity cards and other personal documents were confiscated by the syndicate.
“My relative contacted us secretly but the information provided by him was vague. He called once or twice a week to ask for help.
“We do not know what happened to them there,” said the family member, adding that the call usually lasted for a minute or so.
Pressed for more details, the family member declined to talk further about the phone conversations.
Meanwhile, the family members of the other five victims were saddened to discover their loved ones were deceived into taking a flight to Cambodia, believing they were offered high-paying jobs.
The issue is further compounded by the fact that the victims are being forcibly detained at unknown locations in that country.
The six victims, according to reports, were forced to do fraudulent work at a call centre.
Their families are also worried about their health conditions.
On April 25, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said police received six reports on April 20 and April 21 from family members of the victims, claiming the victims members were into accepting jobs in Cambodia.
He said the State Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) had opened two investigation papers under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
The victims, aged between 19 and 39, are from Kuching and Serian.
Mohd Azman said police would seek Interpol help under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2002, to locate the six victims.
He said police would also go after the employment agents involved.
