Malaysian authorities rescue Indonesian maid after alleged 16-year exploitation
A 56-year-old Indonesian domestic worker was rescued in Batu Caves after allegedly being exploited for 16 years. A 51-year-old Malaysian man believed to be her employer was arrested, and the case is now being investigated under Malaysia’s anti-trafficking laws.
- A 56-year-old Indonesian domestic worker allegedly exploited for 16 years—unpaid, undocumented, and abused—was rescued during a raid in Batu Caves.
- She was found hiding under a vehicle on her employer’s orders; a 51-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested.
- The case is being investigated under ATIPSOM 2007, with authorities urging the public to report suspected exploitation of foreign workers.
MALAYSIA: An Indonesian domestic worker who was allegedly exploited for nearly 16 years has been rescued by Malaysian immigration authorities.
The woman, aged 56, had been working without valid documents, unpaid wages, and under severe restrictions throughout her employment.
The Malaysian Immigration Department discovered the woman hiding beneath a four-wheel drive vehicle at a residence in Batu Caves, Selangor, during a raid on 24 November.
She reportedly hid there under her employer’s instruction to avoid detection by authorities.
Investigators said she had been working as a domestic helper for almost 16 years without a valid work permit.
During initial questioning, she revealed that she had been promised a monthly salary of RM600 (S$188) but had not received any wages for the past two years.
Authorities found her in a traumatised state and she reported being frequently scolded and physically assaulted by her employer.
Throughout her employment, the woman did not have access to her passport. She was also prohibited from using a mobile phone, preventing her from contacting or visiting her family.
She was allegedly forced to work without rest and had to steal moments to sleep.
During the operation, a 51-year-old Malaysian man believed to be the employer was arrested. He admitted to hiring the woman through a family member.
The raid was carried out by officers from the Immigration Department’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) and Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) Prevention Division, based on information received from undisclosed sources.
Investigation Under Anti-Trafficking Laws
The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007 (Act 670).
Those convicted under the Act may face life imprisonment, or a custodial sentence of not less than five years, and may also be liable to whipping for more serious offences.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation followed the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0 to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable groups.
Authorities have urged the public to continue providing information on the exploitation of foreign nationals. Reports can be made to the ATIPSOM and AMLA Prevention Division at 03-8880 1471 or via email at [email protected].
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