Exploited underage foreign workers endure overwork, controlled movements
SUNGAI BULOH - Being overworked, not allowed to leave the premises, besides being under constant surveillance through closed-circuit television (CCTV) were what three underage foreign workers had to go through in their lives as alleged victims of exploitation.
The ordeal of the three teenage boys at a recycling factory in Kampung Sungai Buloh, near here came to an end after they were rescued by the police, yesterday.
The rescue operation, conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department's Anti-Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Division D3 (Atipsom), involved collaboration with the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Mapo) and the Sungai Buloh District Police Headquarters (IPD).
The combined operation, led by Bukit Aman D3 chief assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong, took place around 2.30pm.
He said the rescued victims were Myanmar nationals aged between 13 and 17.
"They were subjected to long working hours from 9am to 9pm, restricted movements, being monitored by CCTVs and they are not allowed to leave the premises.
"Preliminary investigations found that the victims received a salary ranging from RM1,200 to RM1,300.
"Accommodation (for the foreign workers) is not conducive," he told Sinar, today.
He said the factory supervisor, a 27-year-old man who was an Indian national, was detained for investigation under Section 14 of the Atipsom Act 2007 and Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Soffian added that 10 undocumented immigrants working at the factory, comprising five Bangladeshis, three Indians and two Myanmar nationals were arrested.
"Preliminary investigations found that this factory has been operating for about a year and a half and all those detained were taken to the Sungai Buloh IPD for further action," he said.
