A Malaysian couple and their daughter were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking following a raid by the Johor Immigration Department, which also led to the rescue of three Indonesian women believed to be victims of labour exploitation.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the women, aged 24 to 33, were allegedly forced to work excessive hours while their movements and communications were tightly controlled by their employer.
The special operation was carried out yesterday by 24 enforcement officers from the Johor Immigration Department. Investigations revealed that the victims were required to work at a car accessories factory during the day and continue working as domestic helpers after factory hours.
“Initial findings showed that the victims’ passports were confiscated, their movements restricted and their communication with family members limited,” Rusdi said in a statement.
The women had been employed for between one and two years. Two possessed valid documents, while one was found to be working illegally. They were allegedly promised a monthly salary of RM1,800, but did not receive their full wages throughout their employment.
The three Malaysian suspects, aged 31 to 62, were arrested to assist investigations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007.
Rusdi said the rescue was conducted using the Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 national guideline, a standard framework designed to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable groups.
The rescued women have since been placed under protection for further investigation and assistance.
