Sabah immigration authorities in Malaysia have rescued nine Filipinas, who were falsely promised lucrative jobs in the Middle East by a human trafficking syndicate.
The victims aged from 25 to 40 — who were rescued in two separate operations in Semporna on July 8 and July 9 by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) division — had been assured of lucrative jobs in Jordan and Dubai.
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Sabah immigration director Muhamad Sade Mohammad Amin said two men and a Filipina were arrested in the raids on two houses near Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Semporna, and in Kampung Terusan Hujung Batu, Pulau Bum-Bum.
Investigations revealed that the suspects charged each victim up to RM13,000 (Php156,000+) as placement fees for the jobs. All victims were taken by the police to the women’s shelter.
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Suspects are detained at the Papar immigration depot for investigations under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“If convicted, they face imprisonment of up to 15 years or a fine, or both,” said Amin. (AW)
