KUALA LUMPUR: Investigators detected elements of forced labour and human trafficking in the non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mineral theft scandal in Kedah.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that 52 men from neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Nepal, were detained earlier this year with a group of workers who were found to be working without any pay.
He said the workers were offered between RM80 to RM100 per day, but no wage was actually paid.
There are also those involved in human trafficking activities to bring the workers into the country through illegal channels.
During investigations, the workers did not possess any valid documents, he said.
"Since the police detected human trafficking and forced labour activities, we have invoked Security Offences (Special Measures) (Sosma) Act 2012.
"They are still detained pending further investigation. They were also arrested under Sosma," he said without elaborating.
He met the press after attending the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 at Dorsett Putrajaya Hotel here today.
The issue of NR-REE mineral theft scandal came under the microscope during the recent state elections.
Saifuddin made series of exposé linking the scandal to the state Land and Mines Office (PTG) for an alleged cover-up of REE theft in Bukit Enggang.
The state PTG's failure to probe the REE theft under Chapter 11 of the Kedah Mineral Enactment 2004 indicated an element of cover up, warranting it to be labelled as a scandal.
Meanwhile, he said that efforts were underway to take Malaysia out of the Tier 2 Watch List in the Human Trafficking Report by the US State Department.
"We hope to be at better level in a space of one year. We have until April next year.
"The report is quite precise on the indicators that we have to achieve.
"Most importantly is for us to detect human trafficking and forced labour cases and take action according to our law.
"Hopefully we can move out of the watchlist," he added.
Also present were Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
