KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — The Royal Malaysia Police rescued 85 individuals, including children and foreign nationals, believed to be victims of human trafficking during a large-scale operation carried out across the country yesterday.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the victims included 58 men, 10 women, 16 boys, and a girl.
They were rescued under Section 44 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), and comprise both locals and foreigners from the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
“Most of them are suspected to have been trafficked for forced labour,” he said in a statement today.
175 people, including locals and foreign nationals from countries such as Thailand, India, Nepal, and China were also arrested during the operation.
The suspects are being investigated under ATIPSOM and various immigration laws.
The nationwide crackdown, known as Op Pintas Mega, involved police from 14 contingents and was carried out with the cooperation of several agencies, including the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department, the Labour Department, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Shuhaily said the police view human trafficking seriously and will continue to take firm action against those involved in the crime.
— Bernama
