A 24-year-old Malaysian man who was deceived by a fake casino job offer and trafficked to Cambodia has been safely rescued and brought home by the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO).
The victim, identified only as Rao, said he travelled from his home in Skudai, Johor to Poipet, Cambodia — now known as a hotspot for transnational scam operations — after being recruited by a friend who claimed to have connections and promised a US$1,000 (RM4,132.50) monthly salary at a casino, Harian Metro reported.
Rao worked at the casino for only three days before being relocated and forced to join an online scam operation targeting Malaysians with fake product sales.
“When I refused, the syndicate — run by Chinese nationals — began torturing me. They demanded RM30,000 in ransom if I wanted to be released,” he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
He described being bound by his legs, hung upside down naked, and confined in a dark room as part of the abuse.
Rao’s family said he left Malaysia on October 27, believing he had secured a legitimate job. He later contacted them saying he wanted to return, but the agent demanded RM30,000 for his freedom. The family lodged a police report in Skudai on November 7.
MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the family had earlier attended a press conference to highlight Rao’s disappearance. They also revealed he had been initially persuaded to work in Laos before being smuggled into Cambodia.
Following the press conference, MHO received information on six Malaysians trapped in trafficking syndicates. Working with Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and a local task force, they managed to secure the release of only two victims, including Rao.
The second rescued Malaysian is expected to arrive home at noon today.
