Indonesian Maid Rescued After 16 Years Of Alleged Exploitation
Indonesian Maid Rescued After 16 Years Of Alleged Exploitation In Batu Caves
Malaysian immigration authorities have rescued an Indonesian domestic worker who was allegedly exploited for almost sixteen years, working without valid documents, unpaid wages and strict restrictions on her movement and communication. The woman was found hiding under a four wheel drive vehicle during a raid on a house in Batu Caves, Selangor on 24 November.
Told To Hide Under Car During Raid
According to the Immigration Department, the 56 year old woman was discovered underneath the vehicle in the compound of the residence. She allegedly admitted that she had been instructed by her employer to hide there in an attempt to avoid detection during the operation.
Further questioning revealed that she had been working as a domestic helper in Malaysia for nearly sixteen years without a valid work permit. She said she had been promised a monthly salary of RM600, but claimed she had not received any pay at all for the past two years.
When officers rescued her, she was reportedly in a traumatised state and said she had frequently been scolded and physically assaulted by her employer.
No Passport, No Phone, No Rest
Throughout her employment, the woman’s passport was allegedly withheld from her and kept out of her reach. She was also not allowed to use a mobile phone, cutting her off from her family and preventing her from seeking help.
She is believed to have been forced to work without proper rest, relying on short stolen moments to sleep in between her tasks.
During the operation, a 51 year old Malaysian man, believed to be her employer, was arrested at the scene. He is reported to have admitted that he hired the woman through a family member.
The raid was carried out by officers from the Anti Trafficking in Persons and Anti Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and Anti Money Laundering Act (AMLA) Prevention Division at Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya, following information received from undisclosed sources.
Case Probed Under Anti Trafficking Law
The case is now being investigated under the Anti Trafficking in Persons and Anti Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) (Act 670). Under this law, those convicted of human trafficking related offences can face life imprisonment or a jail term of not less than five years, and may also be liable to whipping for more serious offences.
Immigration Department director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation used an approach focused on identifying potential victims of human trafficking and forced labour among vulnerable groups, guided by the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0.
Public Urged To Report Exploitation Cases
Authorities are urging the public to continue sharing information on the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers so that action can be taken quickly.
Any complaints or information can be channelled to the ATIPSOM and AMLA Prevention Division at 03 8880 1471 or via email at urusetia_p@imi.gov.my.
Officials stressed that public cooperation is crucial to uncover long term exploitation cases like this and to ensure victims are given protection and access to justice.
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