Two Malaysians believed to be held by Cambodian syndicates

New Straits Times

4 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) is appealing to Cambodian authorities to rescue two Malaysians believed to be victims of job scam syndicates.
MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the victims, a 25-year-old man, whose name is withheld, and another man identified as Chin, 35, are feared to be in danger after losing contact with their families in recent days.
He said the first victim, who was previously employed in an IT company in Kuala Lumpur, had travelled to Cambodia on July 8 after being offered a customer service job.
Neither he nor his family were aware of human trafficking activities in the country.
"His father, Ravi (not real name), told us the family only found out about such scams a week after he left, when a friend advised them to seek the help of MHO.
"His mother fainted upon learning of the situation," he said in a press conference today.
Ravi said his son initially contacted the family to say he was safe, but later pleaded for help to return home after being subjected to abuse, long working hours, and penalties by the syndicate.
"For the past three to four days, there has been no communication from him," he said, adding that the family lodged a police report on July 28.
The second case involves Chin, who had left for Dubai on March 15 to work as a restaurant assistant but was later discovered to be in Cambodia.
The family's last contact with him was on May 12, during which he appeared to be under watch.
"According to a family friend, he attempted to escape and return to Malaysia, but communication ceased three days ago.
"His last known location was near the Thailand-Cambodia border, at a place known as O-smach Resort," Hishamuddin said.
MHO has decided to release Chin's photograph to the public in hopes of obtaining information on his whereabouts, while Ravi's son's image will be withheld as the organisation believes a rescue is possible without public disclosure.
Hishamuddin urged anyone with knowledge of the victims' locations, to come forward.
"Our concept is not to pay any ransom. The Cambodian task force has been very cooperative in conducting rescue operations once given accurate information," he said.
He added that MHO is coordinating with the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia to secure the victims' safe return.