JOHOR JIM RESCUES THREE INDONESIAN WOMEN, ALLEGEDLY VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Johor branch of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) successfully rescued three Indonesian women, believed to be victims of human trafficking, in a special operation conducted on a business premises in Mount Austin here yesterday.

Its director, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the operation, involving 24 officers from the state enforcement division, was carried out between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

He said initial investigations found that the victims were forced to work in their employers’ factory in the mornings and then at the residence after their working hours.

"The victims, aged between 24 and 33 years old, including one undocumented migrant worker, were said to have worked as domestic helpers for one to two years.

“Based on initial statements, the victims were promised a monthly salary of RM1,800, but have not received the full amount since starting work until today. Their passports were also withheld by their employers, and their movements are restricted, while communication with their families had been limited," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Rusdi said the employers, a local man and two women, aged 31 to 62, have been detained to assist in the investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).

“The rescue operation used an approach to identify human trafficking victims among vulnerable groups, based on the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0.

"Firm action will be taken against any employer who takes advantage of foreign workers through coercion, threats or exploitation," he added.

-- BERNAMA