KUALA LUMPUR: A person with disabilities (PwD) thought he was going to earn RM10,000 working as a builder in Thailand for a week, but ended up being held captive in Myanmar.
The 28-year-old victim was also forced to pay USD8,000 (RM39,000) to the job scam syndicate if he wanted to be released and return to Malaysia.
In addition, he forced to work as a scammer and was also beaten and forced to eat pork.
The matter was disclosed by the victim's mother and brother-in-law when met at a press conference with the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) here today.
Also present were Segambut PKR deputy chief Deric Teh and MHO liaison officer Daniel Khoo.
The victim's mother, Nur Aniyah Matramin, 54, said a good friend of her son, who is the fifth of six siblings, told him about the job offering a good income for a week's work in Thailand.
Despite being advised by family members and his employer, the victim expressed his intention to work in Thailand.
"Before this, my son worked at a car wash. He wanted to take up the job offer because he wanted to earn some extra money for Hari Raya.
"I last contacted my son on March 10, before he left for Thailand. But after that, I couldn't contact him anymore," she said.
Soon after, the victim managed to contact his family and told them what had happened to him.
"We are seeking help from MHO and the government to help bring my son home safely," he said.
Khoo said MHO wil work with the government and make every effort to bring the victim home.
"We will do our best and cooperate with the Foreign Ministry.
"I would like to advise young people to listen to the advice of their parents and family and not to easily trust their friends," he said.
He also reminded the public not to fall for job offers that were too good to be true, promising lucrative returns for easy or short work, especially abroad.
"Before accepting a job offer, please check the company's background first. People can check with relevant agencies or with the Foreign Ministry.
"If possible, ask the company to prepare a work permit in the country concerned first, because we know now there are many issues with fake permits," he said.
