KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) arrested a male Sri Lankan employer believed to be the mastermind behind forced labour exploitation activities during an operation in Jenjarom, Selangor, yesterday.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the 38-year-old suspect was detained during the operation carried out by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) Prevention Division across three separate locations in the area.
He said the operation was conducted following public complaints and intelligence regarding a Sri Lankan woman believed to be a victim of exploitation by her employer.
“The intelligence gathering successfully identified the suspect, his residence, business premises, and worker accommodations linked to the case,” he said in a statement today.
Zakaria added that besides the main suspect, six other Sri Lankan nationals aged between 21 and 51 -comprising four men and two women – were also detained for failing to possess valid travel documents or passes.
“A review based on the National Guidelines on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 (NGHTI 2.0) identified one Sri Lankan woman as a victim of exploitation, and she was successfully rescued,” he said.
He noted that preliminary investigations revealed the victim was allegedly duped by job offers and promises of obtaining a work permit before being brought into Malaysia to work at a food business owned by the suspect.
However, he said the victim was allegedly forced to work without receiving wages, denied sufficient food, had her movements restricted, and suffered physical violence as a form of threat and intimidation.
“Consequently, an application for an Interim Protection Order (IPO) has been made for the victim in line with the provisions under the ATIPSOM Act,” he said.
Zakaria stated that the suspect, who holds a Long-Term Social Visit Pass through marriage to a Malaysian citizen, was detained under Section 12 of the ATIPSOM Act 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the six other detained foreign nationals are subject to enforcement under current immigration laws.
He emphasised that JIM views any form of worker exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking seriously, ensuring every identified victim will be rescued, protected, and provided appropriate assistance, while any party exploiting workers or involved in human trafficking will face strict action under the law.
Meanwhile, he also urged the public to continue providing information regarding worker exploitation, human trafficking, and the misuse of immigration facilities to assist authorities in combating such crimes.
— BERNAMA