THREE Indonesian maids are currently in protective custody after running away from alleged being physically abused whenever the employer and his wife were not in a good mood, said a police source.

“The trio aged 25, 29 and 41 could no longer take it and decided to escape on March 29.

“They were punched and slapped whenever the husband and wife were in a bad mood.

“However, no object or weapons were used to hit the three women,” the source told The Malaysian Insight.

The 41-year-old maid has been working for the past seven years for the couple who hold the titles of Tan Sri and Puan Sri.

She had to convince her two other friends to escape, said the source.

“They jumped over a wall from a house in Country Heights, Kajang. They were rescued by a man who later brought them to the Indonesian embassy.

“At the embassy, they were brought to a police station and a report was lodged against the husband and wife.”

The source said all three women have been taken to a hospital for check-ups.

It was reported yesterday that police have arrested the two individuals when they came to the police station to have their statement recorded.

Police have also obtained a one-day remand order. It is learnt that they have been released today.

Kajang district police chief Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said both suspects were taken to the Kajang Magistrates Court for a remand application, and a one-day remand order was granted by magistrate Nor Afidah Idris.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 for trafficking by means of force.

Meanwhile, an official from the Indonesian embassy told The Malaysian Insight that the three women are physically rcovering from the assault, but remain traumatised by the ordeal.

“They came to us seeking for protection. Obviously, they are traumatised as they had to endure physical assault that happened, not just once but frequently.

“We are doing our best to help them and we are cooperating with the police. They are currently doing well,” said Yusrom Ambary from the Indonesian Consulate.

The three maids said they are not just assaulted, but have not been paid and their passports are confiscated by their employers.

The Tan Sri according to sources is a close associate to embattled former prime minister Najib Razak. – April 4, 2019