11-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) An operation conducted by the Bukit Aman CID’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) unit (D3) on Monday, four female Myanmar nationals were successfully rescued from a shophouse turned entertainment outlet in Bandar Puchong. This commendable effort took place on September 11, culminating from valuable information and intelligence gathered over several days.
The victims, all hailing from Myanmar and aged between 15 and 31, had been coerced into working as guest relation officers (GRO) catering to foreign clientele a mere five days prior to their rescue. They were initially lured with the promise of waitress positions at a restaurant, offering a monthly salary of RM1,500. The mastermind behind this sinister operation, one of three male Myanmar nationals who have since been apprehended, reneged on this promise and forced the women into labour at the entertainment outlet. Two of his accomplices were also detained in connection with the case.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadil Marsus, the principal assistant director of Bukit Aman D3 Atipsom, commented on the situation, saying, “The main suspect forced the four women to work at the entertainment outlet. Besides the main suspect, two of his assistants were also detained.”
Disturbingly, the initial investigation has revealed that one of the victims, a 26-year-old woman, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by one of the suspects. SAC Fadil emphasized, “Our investigation led to the rescue of the four victims, who were exploited as forced labour. They will be placed at a government shelter.”
In a significant stride towards justice, the three male Myanmar nationals involved in this heinous act have been detained under Section 12 and Section 14 of the Atipsom Act 2007.
