MHO Urges Police To Act Against Human Trafficking Recruiters Preying On Young People

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) has urged the Royal Malaysia Police to investigate and take firm action against recruiters who deceive young people into becoming victims of human trafficking abroad.

MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the organisation has observed a troubling shift in trafficking tactics.

Victims are no longer being lured primarily through job ads on social media. Instead, they are being recruited by trusted close friends or acquaintances. 

“This makes them more likely to trust the offer without any further verification,” Hishamuddin said at a press conference today.

He cited a recent case involving four young men, aged 21 to 31, from Pontian, Johor, who were deceived by a friend from their own village into accepting job offers in Laos.

Upon arrival, they were sold and forced to run online scams at a syndicate compound in Cambodia. Those who refused were beaten and subjected to electric shocks.

Before being sent to Laos, Hishamuddin explained, the syndicate ordered the victims to lie to their families, claiming they were working in Singapore, to avoid suspicion.

All four victims were successfully brought back to Malaysia on April 5 with MHO's assistance, following negotiations with the relevant authorities, Hishamuddin said.

The victims' families have filed police reports at the district level. Hishamuddin expressed hope that the police would act swiftly and expedite their investigation into the individuals suspected of recruiting the victims.

"Human trafficking cases are not just about bringing the victims home. There must be follow-up action with a thorough investigation.

“If there is strong evidence, we hope appropriate charges will be filed. All four victims have agreed to serve as prosecution witnesses if called," he said.

One of the victims, a 21-year-old who wished to be identified only as Muhammad Hafiz, said he was initially promised up to USD1,000 just to read work scripts in Cambodia.

"We knew Mr A, the recruiter, for about two months at a food stall. He told us to join a WhatsApp group called 'Angkatan Taat Setia' (ATS) to get work in Cambodia. 

"After we arrived, we were forced to run love scams targeting Malaysians. We were beaten every day. I couldn't take it anymore. I secretly messaged my mother on WhatsApp to ask for help," he shared.

Hafiz alleged that the recruiter is still roaming around his village, preying on new victims.

-- BERNAMA