Malaysian man escapes Cambodian job-scam syndicate as 700 others remain trapped
A Malaysian businessman has escaped a brutal job-scam syndicate in Cambodia after a RM6,000 ransom (approximately US$1,456) was paid, but an estimated 700 Malaysians remain trapped and reportedly face torture, beatings and forced labour.
- A Malaysian businessman escaped a Cambodian scam syndicate after a RM6,000 (US$1,456) ransom was paid.
- He reports severe torture, forced scamming and at least 700 Malaysians still trapped.
- PPIM urges urgent government intervention and the creation of a specialised anti-scam unit.
MALAYSIA: A Malaysian businessman, Muhammad Syafiq Pubalan Abdullah, 40, has detailed his escape from a job-scam syndicate in Cambodia after his wife lodged a police report and a RM6,000 payment (around US$1,456) was made.
While he managed to return home, he says roughly 700 Malaysians remain captive.
Syafiq described widespread violence within the compound, with victims aged between 17 and 35 regularly beaten.
He said women were whipped with belts, and one female victim was reportedly raped by 11 men after her mother reported the case to the police.
Syafiq himself was beaten daily in his first week and was forced to eat pork under threat of further assault.
Lured by a Trusted Friend
He said he was deceived by a long-time friend who convinced him to open a Malaysian restaurant in Cambodia.
After travelling from Alor Setar to Bangkok, he was transported along an unfamiliar route to prevent escape.
On arrival in Phnom Penh, he saw soldiers guarding the workplace, along with a casino and small town nearby.
Forced to Conduct Scam Calls
Inside the compound, victims were forced to scam people by impersonating Singapore cybersecurity officers.
They targeted individuals responding to fake Malaysian job adverts, extracting IC numbers to access personal data.
Under Syafiq’s watch, a Singaporean victim lost S$67,000 (about US$51,742).
Wife’s Persistence Led to His Release
Syafiq’s wife, Jamilah Ahmad, sensed danger during a monitored call and sought help by posting a video online.
After confronting the supposed “friend”, she was told to pay RM6,000, which she could not afford.
When she filed a second police report naming the agent, the syndicate abruptly released her husband — she believes the “friend” ultimately paid the ransom.
The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) has urged authorities to arrest the agent involved and to secure the release of the remaining 700 Malaysians.
PPIM chief Nadzim Johan called for a dedicated department to tackle the rising number of scam-related abductions.
In July 2025, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that 533 Malaysians had been rescued from overseas job-scam syndicates since 2021.
They were among 672 Malaysians identified by police as having been duped by fraudulent employment offers abroad, leaving many stranded in countries including Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.
A total of 139 people (21%) remain unaccounted for.
0 Comments