Domestic Worker Rescued in Malaysia After 16 Years of Trafficking

An Indonesian domestic worker, who had been enduring severe physical and mental abuse for nearly 16 years in Selangor’s Batu Caves area, has finally been rescued by the Malaysian Immigration Department. She was recovered from a house during a special operation conducted on Monday (24 November).

According to Immigration Director-General Datuk Jakaría Shaban, when officers were searching for the 56-year-old woman, they discovered her hiding underneath a car on her employer’s instructions, so that the authorities would not find her. It is believed that long-term fear, pressure and trauma forced her into such a situation.

It has been learned that she had been working as a domestic worker without valid documentation for almost 16 years. Although she had been promised a monthly salary of 600 ringgit, she did not receive any payment over the past two years. Alongside financial exploitation, she also faced regular scolding and physical abuse.

She had almost no personal freedom. She was not allowed to keep her passport, the use of a mobile phone was prohibited, and even communication with her family had been blocked. She could only rest or sleep when no one was paying attention.

Following the operation, a 51-year-old local man was arrested. He admitted that the woman worked in his home as a domestic helper through one of his relatives.

The incident is currently under investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM Act 670). The operation involved the Immigration Department’s ATIPSOM Prevention Division and the Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Team. The ‘National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0’ was used to identify the victim.

Speaking about the humanitarian rescue, Jakaría stated that any information related to human trafficking is taken seriously and that strict action will be taken against perpetrators. He urged the public to provide information regarding the exploitation of foreign workers or domestic helpers by contacting 03-88801471 or via email at urusetia_p@imi.gov.my.

Khaborwala/TSN