Group submits memo to PM over job scams

A support group has urged the government to tighten regulations for job seekers under the age of 40 who travel to high-risk countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

In a memorandum to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) proposed a partnership between Wisma Putra and the home ministry to ensure that only registered companies – and those with approval from the Malaysian government and the relevant countries’ governments – could source workers from Malaysia.

Last month, it was reported that 238 Malaysians had fallen victim to job scam syndicates, with the police stating that 168 people were still stranded abroad.

MHO secretary-general Hishamuddin Hashim, who signed off on the memorandum, said there were several victims who had tried to lodge reports with the local authorities abroad but to no avail.

“The victims are of the opinion that these syndicates have a strong influence over local authorities in their country,” he said in the memorandum.

He also claimed that the victims’ families had reported such scams to Malaysian authorities and sought help from both the government and Malaysian embassies.

“However, they did not receive a positive response and that the action taken was said to be not enough,” he said.

The memorandum was received by Khairul Nizam Zuldin, one of Ismail’s political secretaries.

Hishamuddin said his organisation was seeking Ismail’s help to investigate the matter immediately and provide help and support to the Malaysians who have been duped by the syndicates.

Earlier this month, a group of 24 Malaysians who fell victim to job scams in Cambodia returned home with foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, who was in Phnom Penh for a work visit.

Saifuddin said that out of 148 reported cases, 118 Malaysians who fell victim to job scams and human trafficking in Cambodia have been rescued. FMT

Group submits memo to PM over job scams

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