A Sri Lankan man has been arrested in Malaysia on suspicion of operating a forced labour exploitation scheme, while a Sri Lankan woman alleged to have been exploited was rescued by authorities.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department said the 38-year-old suspect was arrested during an operation carried out in Jenjarom, Selangor, by its Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) Prevention Division.
The operation followed public complaints and intelligence into the alleged exploitation of a Sri Lankan woman.
Authorities also detained six Sri Lankan nationals, aged between 21 and 51, comprising four men and two women, for allegedly failing to possess valid travel documents or passes.
According to the Immigration Department, one Sri Lankan woman was identified as a victim of exploitation under Malaysia’s National Guidelines on Human Trafficking Indicators and was rescued.
Preliminary investigations found that she had allegedly been lured to Malaysia with promises of employment and a work permit before being forced to work at a food business owned by the suspect without wages. Authorities said she was also allegedly denied adequate food, had her movements restricted, and was subjected to physical abuse and intimidation.
The suspect, who holds a Long-Term Social Visit Pass through marriage to a Malaysian citizen, is being investigated under Malaysia’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Immigration Department said it would continue taking strict action against those involved in worker exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking. (Newswire)