KUALA LUMPUR - Two Indonesian women believed to be victims of forced labour and human trafficking were rescued in enforcement operations carried out in Kapar and Bukit Jelutong.

Immigration Director General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the raids were conducted on January 6 and Jan 12 after public complaints and intelligence gathering by the department’s Atipsom and Amla Prevention divisions targeting an unregistered foreign domestic helper syndicate.

“In the first raid on January 6, we detained a 38-year-old local woman believed to be acting as an agent while she was in the midst of handing over a domestic helper to an employer at a food premises.

“During the operation, a 45 year old Indonesian woman was rescued,” he said in a statement today.

He said investigations found that the victim held a valid Social Visit Pass but had been exploited to work as a domestic helper.

“She was also burdened with an RM3,000 travel cost debt, which was to be repaid through monthly salary deductions.

“The syndicate’s modus operandi involved offering domestic helper services via WhatsApp, charging employers RM8,000 while promising workers a monthly salary of RM1,500,” he added.

In a second operation last Monday, enforcement officers rescued another Indonesian woman, aged 54, from a residential unit that had been converted into a food business premises, Zakaria said.

“The victim was found to have been working at the premises for nearly a month. Investigations found that the victim had been handed over by an agent to the employer for a payment of up to RM14,000.

“She was forced to work beyond stipulated hours, while her travel documents (passport) and mobile phone were confiscated by the syndicate, cutting off contact with her family.

“The victim was also traumatised due to physical and mental abuse, as well as strict movement control. A local woman, who owns the premises, was arrested to assist in investigations,” he said.

Zakaria said the rescue operations were carried out using the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0 to identify trafficking victims.

“The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007.

“We are committed to combating human trafficking crimes, and we will not compromise with any parties involved in such crimes,” he said.

Those convicted under Atipsom 2007 face life imprisonment or a minimum of five years in jail, with whipping for more serious offences, while heavier penalties apply to agents or employers found to be involved.

“We advise the public to remain vigilant and to channel information on any exploitation of foreign nationals or human trafficking activities to enable enforcement action to be taken.

“Complaints or information can be directed to the Immigration Atipsom and Amla Prevention Division at 03-8880 1471 or via email at urusetia_p@imi.gov.my,” he added.