MALAYSIANS RESCUED FROM JOB SCAM SYNDICATE IN CAMBODIA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh, confirms that 60 Malaysians, suspected to be victims of a job scam syndicate, were rescued by the Cambodian authorities on 22 February 2025. The operation targeted online scam compounds in Poipet, near the Cambodia-Thailand border. Following the rescue, the individuals were moved to an immigration detention center in Siem Reap for further processing. A consular visit conducted by the Embassy of Malaysia confirmed that all individuals were in satisfactory condition.

As of today, 25 of them have returned to Malaysia, while 11 others are scheduled for repatriation today, 26 February 2025. The remaining 24 individuals will be repatriated in phases in the near future.

This group of 60 Malaysians is separate from the 15 Malaysians, also victims of job scam syndicates in Myanmar, who were repatriated from Thailand on 24 February 2025.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Cambodia for its invaluable assistance in rescuing the Malaysian citizens and facilitating their return home.

The Malaysian government remains deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by transnational job scam syndicates. As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional cooperation in combating human trafficking, particularly in addressing the misuse of technology by trafficking syndicates. This aligns with the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Combating Trafficking in Persons Caused by the Abuse of Technology, adopted at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023. Malaysia will continue to collaborate closely with ASEAN Member States and external partners to enhance technical capacity, facilitate experience sharing, promote information exchange, and implement best practices to combat human trafficking effectively.

While regional cooperation is essential in tackling this issue, individual vigilance remains equally crucial. The Ministry urges all Malaysians seeking employment abroad to exercise caution and verify job offers through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Malaysians in distress abroad are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.

PUTRAJAYA

26 February 2025

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MALAYSIANS RESCUED FROM JOB SCAM SYNDICATE IN CAMBODIA

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