KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 270 of 428 job scam syndicate victims reported this year have been rescued, the Dewan Negara was told today.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the remaining 158 victims, however, were still stranded in foreign countries as of Nov.
"As of Nov 20, the police have successfully rescued 270 out of 428 Malaysians who fell victim to job scam syndicates. Meanwhile, the remaining 158 victims are still stranded (in foreign countries)," he said in reply to Senator Datuk Teong Eng Tee during the question-and-answer session in Dewan Negara, today.
At the same time, Shamsul Anuar said a total of 325 reports regarding job scams were received by police, including reports lodged by victims in foreign countries.
"Regarding data on the number of victims involved, the statistics obtained by the police up to Nov 20 are 325 reports from victims in foreign countries, such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos."
Following this, he said various comprehensive measures have been taken by the ministry to address the problem of job scam syndicates abroad.
These, he said, include four series of integrated operations carried out by the police, which were done from Aug last year to July this year.
He said the operation was also aimed at combating and preventing major job fraud syndicates linked to agents based in Malaysia who offered the locals jobs abroad.
"Through this operation, four syndicates throughout Klang Valley and Johor were smashed and 12 arrests were made involving locals.
"These cases are being investigated under Section 12 and Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
"Other efforts (by the ministry) include engagement sessions with authorities of foreign countries, such as Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos for information sharing and exploring solutions to rescue the victims.
"Additionally, further efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding across various segments of society, including those in rural areas on the syndicates are also carried out," he said.