Malaysia Oversight

Man rescued from Cambodia job syndicate

By NST in August 21, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute
Man rescued from Cambodia job syndicate


SEPANG: A Malaysian man who fell victim to a human trafficking syndicate in Cambodia has been rescued and brought home to Malaysia after two torturous months.

His safe return was facilitated by a non-governmental organisation, Pertubuhan Kemanusiaan Masyarakat Antarabangsa Malaysia (MHO).

The victim, known only as Vellu, in his 30s, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 at 6.20pm yesterday, accompanied by MHO’s Human Trafficking Rescue Mission chief, Azirul Syafiq Sazali.

Vellu said he was trapped for nearly two months and suffered abuse whenever he failed to meet the syndicate’s daily quotas.

“I was forced to carry large water containers for hours, like military-style training. I had bruises on my body, was denied access to toilets, had my head shaved if I failed targets, and even went without food for two days,” he was quoted saying in TV3’s Buletin Utama today.

He said he was lured by a Facebook and Instagram job advertisement offering a US$1,500 (RM6,339) customer service position in Poipet, Cambodia.

“On my flight there, another Malaysian, a Malay man in his 20s, was also heading to the same job,” he added.

He said the syndicate initially allowed freedom to use mobile phones and provided meals during the first two weeks. But soon after, his phone was confiscated, working hours were extended from 6am until after midnight, and sleep was restricted.

He expressed gratitude to MHO and the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia for securing his release and repatriation.

Meanwhile, MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the rescue mission was launched after Vellu’s father contacted them upon receiving desperate messages from his son.

“The father thought the job offer was genuine and was unaware of such scam syndicates in Cambodia. After verification, we confirmed he was a victim and advised the family to lodge a police report.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd



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