MELAKA, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Melaka police rescued 27 Myanmar nationals, including a teenage boy and girl, suspected of being victims of a human trafficking syndicate and undocumented employment during a raid on a premises at Pusat Niaga Nakhoda here yesterday.
Melaka Tengah District Police Chief ACP Christopher Patit stated that two locals - a man and a woman aged 20 and 24, believed to be the managers or supervisors of the premises - were also detained during the Op Pintas Khas raid at approximately 12:00 pm.
He said that the operation was conducted by officers from the D7 Branch (Gambling, Vice, and Secret Societies) of the Melaka Tengah District Police Headquarters (IPD), in collaboration with the D7 Branch of the Melaka Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK), following intelligence reports.
"In the raid, police rescued 15 men and 10 women from Myanmar, aged between 23 and 47, suspected of working without valid permits or passes, alongside a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl.
"Initial investigations revealed that the premises operated as a restaurant on the ground floor, while the upper floor was used as living quarters for the workers, with six rooms provided," he said in a statement today.
Christopher said the rescue action was carried out under Section 44 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, following an assessment based on the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI 2.0).
He stated that inspections found the employees worked without any days off from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm while the entrance and exit points of the premises were locked after operating hours, with keys held only by management, effectively restricting the workers' freedom of movement.
According to Christopher, these conditions fulfilled elements of exploitation and confinement indicative of human trafficking and police also seized two mobile phones and six work schedules as evidence.
The 25 rescued adults are being detained for investigation under Section 44 of the ATIPSOM Act 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the two teenagers have been granted Interim Protection Orders.
"Melaka police will continue to combat human trafficking, labour exploitation, and the employment of undocumented foreigners, particularly involving children and vulnerable groups.
"Firm action will be taken against any party violating national laws. Members of the public with information regarding human trafficking activities are urged to report it to the police to assist in investigations," he added.
-- BERNAMA
