A total of 35 Malaysians who were victims of a job scam syndicate and trapped in Cambodia, were rescued by the authorities and flown home on November 3. - Filepic The Star/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times): The Cambodian government reaffirmed the country’s commitment to addressing online job fraud and human trafficking, emphasising collaboration with neighbouring countries to combat these challenges.
Chou Bun Eng, Vice-Chairwoman of Cambodia's National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), remarks followed the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ recent travel advisory urging Nepalese citizens to exercise caution when seeking employment in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Reports indicate that criminal syndicates have been luring Nepali nationals into illegal activities in these countries under the pretext of high-paying job offers.
Bun Eng, who also serves as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, stressed that Cambodia remains a safe destination for international workers, underscoring the government’s dedication to eliminating online job scams.
“They can certainly voice their concerns about these issues, but I want to assure everyone that Cambodia is a secure place for both local and international job seekers,” said Bun Eng. “Those who experience Cambodia firsthand understand how well-managed and secure the environment is.”
She added, “Despite concerns raised about Cambodia and neighbouring countries, tourists and workers will continue to come, reflecting the Kingdom’s overall safety and hospitality.”
Earlier this week, Cambodia joined Vietnam and Laos in a two-day regional meeting aimed at enhancing cross-border cooperation to manage migration and combat human trafficking.
“We are actively improving our monitoring of cross-border activities to tackle human trafficking,” Bun Eng noted. “While we share strategies and learn from one another, each country’s approach will be tailored to its specific circumstances.”
Bun Eng added that the flow of scammers and victims across borders remain a challenge, requiring collective actions from all relevant nations. “Our cross-border controls need further enhancement, and addressing these issues demands collective action.”
The Cambodian government plans to launch awareness campaigns and exchange technical training to combat online job scams and human trafficking, ensuring greater public safety.
Recent efforts reflect Cambodia’s dedication to protecting victims. In November, Cambodian authorities collaborated with the Malaysian Embassy to rescue 11 Malaysians, who were victims of job scam syndicate in Preah Sihanouk province.
Similarly, in October, Cambodian police rescued 67 Indian nationals trapped in scam compounds in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, after being deceived by fraudulent job offers. - Khmer Times
