THE Foreign Ministry as of yesterday has received a total of 488 reports of Malaysian citizens who were victims of job scam syndicates in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. 

A statement from Wisma Putra today said of that number, 359 people have been rescued, with 331 brought back to Malaysia and 28 more still in detention to assist with investigation and documentation matters. 

The statistics of syndicate victims who have been rescued so far are 227 in Cambodia, 61 in Laos, 38 in Thailand, and 33 in Myanmar. 

“The ministry, through the Malaysian embassies in the countries concerned and in close cooperation with police, will continue to redouble efforts to track down another 129 victims still unaccounted for, involving the countries of Cambodia (one case), Thailand (eight cases), Laos (29 cases) and Myanmar (91 cases). 

“The ministry also hopes for the public’s cooperation, and to always be aware and informed in dealing with the issue of fraudulent criminal syndicates offering jobs abroad.

“Victims or family members who are suspected of being involved in these criminal syndicates are requested to report to police and MOFA (Foreign Ministry) immediately,” read the statement. 

Victims or next of kin can report and deliver relevant information to the ministry via email at [email protected].

Meanwhile, six Malaysians who were victims of a job scam syndicate at the Thailand-Myanmar border have been brought home safely via Thai Airways flight TG415. 

Two of them are victims whose videos were uploaded by Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation recently, while the rest were Thailand’s immigration detainees. All of them have been handed over to police to assist in investigations. 

“The ministry expresses its appreciation to the police for their quick and proactive actions in locating and rescuing the victims as a result of the close cooperation of MOFA with the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok. 

“At the same time, the ministry expresses its utmost appreciation to the Thai authorities for their cooperation and priority in helping the Malaysian government rescue the victims of this syndicate. 

“MOFA also expresses appreciation to Teruntum assemblyman YB Tuan Sim Chon Siang, who extended his assistance to bring the victims home,” said the statement. – Bernama, December 21, 2022.