Malaysians Held Hostage as Job Scam Syndicates Step Up Their Game with Free Flights and High Pay

Job scam syndicates continue to evolve, using increasingly deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting victims.

Photo via Malay Mail

During a press conference held by the Malaysian Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) on 27 November, Secretary-General Datuk Hishamudin Hashim shed light on the latest developments in these scams.

These syndicates now entice victims with not only promises of high-paying jobs but also free airline tickets. Tragically, seven Malaysians have recently fallen prey, leading to unimaginable suffering. Families of the victims gathered to share their heart-wrenching experiences.

1. A Trip to Buy “Fireworks”

Mr Lai recounted how his 29-year-old son left for Bangkok on 19 November, intending to purchase cheap fireworks for his business.

During the journey, his son sensed danger and attempted to escape from the “tour guide van” after five hours. He was beaten unconscious, and upon regaining consciousness, he contacted his pregnant wife to say he had been taken to Myanmar. Since then, there has been no further communication.

2. A High-Paying Driver Job

Mr Chen shared the story of his 34-year-old brother, who responded to an advertisement offering lucrative pay for a driver’s position in Mae Sot, Thailand. Upon arriving in Bangkok, he was abducted and transported to Myanmar.

“My brother called that night, saying he was ‘safe,’ but he didn’t dare to escape as there were armed guards everywhere,” Mr Chen explained. To survive, his brother was forced to meet a quota of scamming victims, amounting to RM2 million per month.

3. Eat or Be Beaten

Two Malay victims accepted a job in Thailand on 13 November, expecting to work in air conditioning maintenance for RM5,000 a month. Upon arrival in Myanmar, they discovered the true nature of the job: scamming others through phone calls.

The victims endured horrifying conditions, including being electrocuted, beaten, and forced to consume pork against their religious beliefs.

4. A Chiang Mai Trip Gone Wrong

Madam Goh revealed that her 24-year-old son had gone on a trip to Chiang Mai with friends on 18 October. Just two days later, she received a call from him saying he had been taken hostage.

“I was told to pay RM400,000 in ransom. I managed to sell my insurance policy and pay RM60,000, but they still haven’t released my son,” she tearfully shared. Videos of her son being beaten and tortured were sent to her, adding to the anguish.

5. No Food, Just Pipe Water

A 24-year-old woman accepted a job in the F&B industry after being offered the role by a male friend. She flew from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur but later called her mother to reveal she had been abducted to Cambodia.

“I was beaten and locked in the bathroom. I had no food and survived by drinking water from the pipe,” she told her family.

6. Injured and Held Captive

Mr Wong’s 29-year-old son flew to Thailand on 16 November. Days later, Mr Wong received a call from his son, who assured him of his “safety” but appeared to have a visible head injury. His son later revealed he was being held in Cambodia.

During the press conference, Datuk Hishamudin urged the public to exercise extreme caution when considering job offers abroad. He also advised families not to transfer money to ransom demands, as it often fails to guarantee the victims’ release.

In light of these incidents, Datuk Hishamudin Hashim urged the public to exercise extreme caution when considering job offers abroad. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using social media and job portals to lure victims.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

1. Verify Job Offers: Always research the company thoroughly. Legitimate organisations have verifiable contact details and proper recruitment processes.
2. Avoid Suspicious Offers: Be wary of jobs that offer unusually high salaries or perks, such as free flights, with minimal qualifications.
3. Consult Authorities: Before accepting overseas offers, consult the relevant embassies or local labour departments for advice.
4. Don’t Believe Everything Online: Scammers often create fake job advertisements, websites, and social media profiles. Always double-check the authenticity of the information.
5. Stay in Touch: Inform family members of your travel plans and provide contact details in case of emergencies.

Remember, no matter how tempting an offer may seem, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying vigilant and spreading awareness. Together, we can prevent others from falling into these dangerous traps.