KUALA LUMPUR: Five foreign domestic workers have been rescued from forced labour following a raid at a house in Klang.
An Indonesian woman and four female Indian nationals, aged between 32 and 47, were rescued during the operation by the Immigration Department on Tuesday (Oct 29).
"The raid was conducted after Immigration received information about foreigners being exploited by an unregistered maid agent," the department said in a statement.
The agent promised the foreign women legitimate jobs as maids in Malaysia, but this was not the case.
Initial investigations revealed that the agent was the mastermind behind a human trafficking operation, using the house as a transit point for the victims before they were supplied to employers illegally.
"The agent would bring in foreigners from India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, promising them work. She also covered all travel, food, and lodging expenses, so the victims were tied to her and had to repay all the costs and service charges through salary deductions," the department added.
During the raid, the Indian women were hidden in the bathroom of the house to evade Immigration officers, but they were discovered.
"The victims were believed to have stayed at the transit home for about three weeks while waiting to be supplied to a new employer.
"The raiding team also discovered several passports belonging to other women in one of the rooms at the house," the department said.
The victims were promised salaries between RM1,300 and RM1,500 a month.
"Their salaries were also deducted to pay for passes. Most have worked in Malaysia for two years and still have valid temporary work permits for foreign workers (PLKS) and work contracts.
"One of the agent's family members has been called to assist with the investigation. The illegal agent, a local woman, is currently overseas. She will be detained once she returns to Malaysia.
"The Department views such matters seriously, and similar operations will be conducted against anyone involved in forced labour or the smuggling of migrants," it said.
The department advised employers to use the right channels when hiring domestic workers.
"Check the background of any maid agency before acquiring their services. Only use the services of registered agencies," it said.
Those with information on human trafficking offences are urged to contact the department at 03-88801471 or email urusetia_p@imi.gov.my.
