International job scams lure victims with lucrative rewards

SIBU - Lucrative job offers abroad can turn into traps set by international criminal syndicates, where job seekers are deceived and subsequently forced to carry out online scam activities.

Datuk Dr Mustapha Ahmad Marican, chairman of the Southeast Asia Welfare and Education Foundation (SEAWEED), said young people particularly school leavers are among those most easily swayed by offers of high salaries and various attractive perks advertised on social media.

He explained that victims typically only realised they have been deceived upon arrival in the destination country, when their passports are confiscated, their movements are restricted, and they are coerced into performing work entirely different from what was originally promised.

"Once in the clutches of a syndicate, victims are forced to follow orders out of fear for their own safety,” he told Bernama.

Recalling his involvement in the rescue of 47 Malaysians including 40 Sarawakians who fell victim to a job scam syndicate in Cambodia in early 2019, Mustapha noted that this case illustrates how job offers can be used as bait to ensnare victims.

He mentioned that the group had initially been offered positions in the five-star hospitality sector, with a monthly salary of USD 1,200, inclusive of accommodation and meals.

"Instead, they ended up being involved in online gambling scams before being detained by the Cambodian police,” he said.

Mustapha added that the victims were fortunate not to have been taken to areas near the border, which he noted are much harder to access for rescue operations.

He also expressed concern regarding the risk of more severe forms of exploitation, including human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of female victims.

In this regard, Mustapha advised job seekers from Sarawak not to accept overseas job offers without first verifying the legitimacy of the employer, the work location, and the terms of the contract.

He said it is crucial to consult with relevant authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discuss matters with family members before making any decisions.

"Do not be too quick to trust offers of lucrative salaries. Consider your safety and your future, as there are plenty of job opportunities available in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia as well,” he said.

Mustapha, who served with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in Sibu during the 1980s, received a certificate of appreciation for his involvement in efforts to rescue Sarawakians from Cambodia.

The recognition was presented by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, during the ‘Malam Warisan Samudera’, a veterans’ charity gala organised by the Sarawak branch of the Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association here last Saturday. - BERNAMA