KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not hesitate to take stern action against individuals who act as recruiters or masterminds behind job scam syndicates involving Malaysians abroad, the Dewan Negara heard today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysians involved in job scam syndicates abroad will also be investigated by authorities to determine their involvement in the syndicate upon their return to the country.
He said the government had so far charged four Malaysians believed to have been involved as the mastermind of a job scam syndicate in Peru, last year, under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007.
"Various efforts are being made to ensure that this type of syndicates are.curbed.
"In addition to preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns carried out by the government, Malaysians brought back from abroad will also be interrogated by authorities as soon as they arrive in the country to determine their involvement with the syndicate.
"Firm action will be taken if there is strong evidence that indicates they are the masterminds or recruiters, and not victims based on existing laws," he said.
Mohamad said this in response to a question from Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead, who asked about the government's role in preventing more Malaysians from falling victim to job scam syndicates in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
He also enquired whether a new act would be enacted to combat the job scam syndicates.
Following this, Mohamad added that the current Atipsom Act, which carries a maximum of 20 years imprisonment or fine, was still in force
"Any proposal for Malaysia to establish a new act to prevent job scams from happening is welcomed.
"However, it is not under the purview of this ministry, but under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry."
He added that in line with the government's "whole of government" approach, the ministry had collaborated with relevant ministries and agencies to curb the menace.
"The problem spans across various ministries and agencies.
"A special committee has been established and is led by the ministry, following the decision of the cabinet meeting on Sept 21, 2022, to establish cooperation and coordination among all relevant ministries and agencies."
