SEPANG: Wisma Putra is expected to bring back 127 Malaysians who were rescued after they fell victim to job scam syndicates in Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said that only 26 victims were initially found with assistance from the Chinese and Myanmar governments.
However, the number rose several days later.
"The Chinese government as well as Myanmar authorities provided us with assistance, where we had initially found 26 Malaysians who fell victim to job syndicates in an area bordering China.
"But after two to three days, the number increased, with the latest being 127 people. This made it difficult for us to bring them home swiftly.
"On top of that, we had also rescued two foreigners, namely from Indonesia and Hong Kong."
Zambry added that currently, Wisma Putra is awaiting the green light from the local authorities to fly them back to Malaysia.
"We are just waiting for the Myanmar authorities to give permission to fly them back to Kuala Lumpur.
"Based on our initial plans, they are expected to be brought back on Nov 30, therefore we hope that this could be approved by the Myanmar authorities," he said.