2 Years of Unpaid Abuse! Indonesian Maid Rescued in Tears

A 56-year-old Indonesian maid who had been working illegally as a domestic helper in our country for over ten years is suspected of being a victim of human trafficking and abuse. The Immigration Department rescued this victim based on intelligence received.

Datuk Zakaria, Director General of the Immigration Department, revealed that on Monday (24th), authorities rescued the suspected victim of human trafficking and prolonged exploitation from a residential house in Batu Caves, Selangor.

He stated in a Wednesday press release that, under the employer’s instructions, the victim was hiding underneath a four-wheel drive vehicle inside the house.

He explained that the department’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons & Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) enforcement teams had earlier conducted this raid after receiving reliable information.

According to the investigation, the victim had been working illegally as a domestic helper in our country for as long as 16 years. She claimed that she was originally promised a monthly wage of RM600, but had not received any wages for the past two years. She was also repeatedly scolded and beaten by her employer, and was still in a state of panic when rescued.

"The victim’s passport was confiscated during her employment and she was not allowed to use her phone to contact the outside world, let alone return to Indonesia."

"She was also forced to work endlessly, only able to sneak in sleep whenever she found some time."

Zakaria revealed that enforcement officers arrested a 51-year-old local man during the operation, who admitted to hiring the victim through close relatives.

Currently, the case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

"This rescue operation followed the standard procedures established in the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI 2.0) to identify possible victims of human trafficking or forced labor among vulnerable groups."

Zakaria reiterated that the Immigration Department adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards human trafficking and will uncompromisingly take action against those involved. Once convicted, offenders may face life imprisonment or a minimum of five years in jail, and in serious cases, additional caning penalties.

If the public has information regarding the exploitation of foreign workers, they are urged to call the ATIPSOM and AMLA Prevention Department hotline (0388801471) or send an email to (urussetia_p@imi.gov.my).