Immigration Arrests Sri Lankan Employer, Rescues Forced Labour Victim In Jenjarom
SHAH ALAM: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) arrested a Sri Lankan man suspected of being involved in forced labour exploitation against his own nationals in a special operation at three locations around Jenjarom, Selangor, on July 21.
The operation, conducted by the Anti‑Trafficking in Persons and Anti‑Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and AMLA division, was carried out following public complaints and intelligence regarding allegations that a Sri Lankan woman was being exploited by her employer.
Immigration Director‑General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, said intelligence successfully identified the suspect’s identity, residence, business premises, and worker accommodation believed to be linked to the activities.
“The suspect is a 38‑year‑old Sri Lankan man believed to be exploiting forced labour involving his own nationals,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that besides the suspect, six other Sri Lankans aged between 21 and 51, comprising four men and two women, were also detained for failing to produce valid travel documents or passes.
According to him, checks based on the National Guidelines on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 (NGHTI 2.0) identified a Sri Lankan woman as a victim of exploitation and she was successfully rescued.
Preliminary investigations found that the victim was deceived with job offers and promises of work permits before being brought into Malaysia to work at a food premises owned by the suspect.
However, the victim is believed to have been forced to work without pay, not given sufficient food, her movements controlled, and subjected to physical violence as a form of threats and intimidation.
As such, an application for an Interim Protection Order (IPO) was made for the victim under the provisions of the Anti‑Trafficking in Persons and Anti‑Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
Zakaria said the suspect, who holds a Long‑Term Social Visit Pass (PLS) through marriage to a Malaysian citizen, was detained under Section 12 of Act 670 and also investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155).
He said the six other foreign nationals detained would face action under the provisions of the prevailing immigration laws.
“JIM takes seriously any form of worker exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking. Every identified victim will be rescued, protected and given appropriate assistance, while those who exploit workers will face stern legal action,” he said.
He also urged the public to channel information regarding worker exploitation activities, human trafficking and misuse of immigration facilities to help authorities combat such crimes.
He said JIM would continue to strengthen enforcement action to ensure no party turns humans into victims of exploitation for any interest or profit.