Sri Lankan employer arrested for exploiting compatriot in forced labor

Malaysian immigration officers have arrested a Sri Lankan national suspected of exploiting a fellow countryman in a forced labor scheme. The operation, conducted in Jenjarom, Selangor, resulted in the rescue of a Sri Lankan woman who had been allegedly deceived with promises of employment and a work permit.

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The victim was allegedly tricked with job offers and promises of obtaining a work permit before being brought into Malaysia to work at a food premises owned by the suspect.

According to Immigration Department Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, the victim was reportedly forced to work at a food premises owned by the suspect without receiving any wages. She also allegedly faced insufficient food, restricted movement, and physical violence as a form of intimidation.

The 38-year-old suspect, who holds a long-term social visit pass through marriage to a Malaysian citizen, is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) and the Immigration Act 1959/63. The department has initiated proceedings for an Interim Protection Order for the victim, identified based on the National Guidelines on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0.

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The victim was allegedly forced to work without receiving wages, was not given sufficient food, her movements were controlled, and she experienced physical violence as a form of intimidation.

During the operation, six other Sri Lankan nationals, aged between 21 and 51, were detained for lacking valid travel documents or permits. The Immigration Department has stated its zero-tolerance policy towards worker exploitation and human trafficking, promising stern action against those involved.

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Strict action will be taken against those involved.