Police check legitimacy of “Datuk” title amid alleged exploitation of Indonesian domestic workers

LocalPolitics
21 Dec 2025 • 1:48 PM MYT
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POLICE in Shah Alam are examining the legitimacy of a businessman’s claimed “Datuk” title after he and his adult child were arrested over the alleged exploitation of two Indonesian domestic workers.

The suspects were detained following a police raid at a residence in Kayangan Heights on 18 December.

Shah Alam District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Ramsay Embol, said authorities will refer the matter to the relevant bodies on Monday for further verification.

“Regarding the Datuk title, this remains under police investigation. The three-day remand for both suspects concluded today, and they have been released on police bail,” he said on Sunday.

The two female victims, aged 33 and 48, have been placed in a shelter to ensure their safety and receive appropriate support, according to Ramsay.

Police interviews revealed that one victim had worked for her employer for two years, while the other had been employed for only one month.

Both women claimed that their passports and mobile phones had been confiscated, that they were forced to work excessive hours, subjected to physical abuse, and had not received wages for the past two months.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007.

Authorities are continuing their inquiries into both the alleged exploitation and the authenticity of the suspect’s claimed honorary title. - December 21, 2025