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KUALA LUMPUR – Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim is calling for a moratorium on sending Malaysians to work in Cambodia, seeing that job scams remain unresolved.
He suggested prohibiting companies operating in Cambodia from hiring Malaysians until the job scam syndicates are eradicated.
“Malaysian lives are not to be gambled with if the Cambodian government is unable to guarantee protection and safety to our people when they are there,” he said in a statement.
Sim also suggested for the Malaysian government to establish a multi-agency support system for the victims and their families in the event they are caught in the scams.
“The victims and their families are often at a loss when seeking help. Sometimes they lodge reports, but are told that it is not within police jurisdiction. Some of the victims are facing immigration action overseas.
“With this, the job scam cases can be efficiently reported, investigated and resolved quickly so victims can be safely repatriated.”
He then singled out local job agents and advertisers, calling for authorities to investigate and take stringent action against those involved in the syndicates.
He also called on Asean to take a hard stance on human trafficking after the region was highlighted as a hub.
Last Saturday, Foreign Ministry said 261 Malaysians who had fallen victim to job scam syndicates and were stranded in Cambodia had been rescued so far.
“The public is advised to immediately lodge a report with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and contact the Foreign Ministry if any of their family members fall victim to job scam syndicates offering employment abroad.
“The Foreign Ministry is always committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysian families abroad,” added the statement.
It was also reported that the first meeting of the special committee chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah took place online on September 27.
The meeting was also attended by nine other ministries or agencies, namely the Prime Minister’s Department; the Attorney-General’s Chambers; the Home Ministry; PDRM; the Immigration Department; the Communications and Multimedia Ministry; the Human Resources Ministry; the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. – The Vibes, October 3, 2022