KUCHING, Sept 11 — A Family’s Desperate Search for Justice
A mother’s desperate plea to bring her children home has drawn attention to the growing threat of human trafficking involving Sarawakians. Sarawak DAP Chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called on authorities to take immediate action following the disappearance of two siblings from Sarawak, who were lured abroad by false job promises and are now trapped in a human trafficking syndicate.
A Shocking Turn of Events: The Story of Mdm Chong’s Children
At a press conference held at the DAP Sarawak headquarters, Chong was joined by the victims’ 60-year-old mother, Mdm Chong, and her cousin. Mdm Chong recounted the distressing journey of her 30-year-old son, who was deceived by two Sarawakian friends into travelling to Thailand in search of better employment opportunities.
“He was promised a well-paying job, but instead, he was trafficked to Myanmar and forced to work for a scam syndicate,” said Chong.
The young man’s dream of a brighter future quickly turned into a nightmare. He is now trapped, forced to make scam calls under the constant threat of violence. If he refuses, he faces severe beatings, leaving him with no way to return home.
A Sister’s Love: Search for Brother Ends in Disappearance
In a bid to rescue her brother, Mdm Chong’s 41-year-old daughter made the courageous decision to travel to Thailand. She was last reported to have met with her brother’s friends—the same individuals who deceived him. Since that time, she has also lost contact with her family, deepening the family’s fears and adding another layer of distress to their plight.
The last known communication from Mdm Chong’s son was in early August, and the daughter’s last contact was two days ago, leaving the family in an agonising state of uncertainty.
Pressing Authorities to Act: Filing Reports and Seeking Diplomatic Help
Mdm Chong’s family has taken action by filing a police report that includes detailed information about the two Kuching residents believed to be involved in the trafficking. The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak secretary George Lam has been supporting the family throughout the ordeal, assisting them with filing the police report and reaching out to the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok.
Chong urged the police to act swiftly, given that they have clear leads on the individuals who facilitated the trafficking.
“If the police act promptly, we hope to see a positive outcome, and Mdm Chong’s children can return home safely,” he emphasized.
Raising Awareness: The Hidden Dangers of Overseas Employment Offers
Chong used this opportunity to caution other Sarawakians, especially youths, about the risks associated with overseas job offers that seem too good to be true. He pointed out that human traffickers often prey on those seeking better opportunities abroad, luring them with promises of high-paying jobs only to trap them in exploitative and dangerous conditions.
“Be more watchful and careful, especially when promised well-paying jobs overseas,” Chong urged. “What may seem like a great opportunity could very well be a trap.”
Implications for Malaysia: A Fight Against Human Trafficking
Chong also stressed the broader implications of human trafficking cases, not just for individual safety but also for Malaysia’s international standing. He highlighted that Malaysia’s ranking on the US Tier 3 list for human trafficking—the worst classification—posed significant threats to the country’s image and economy. Although Malaysia has moved up to Tier 2 on the watch list, Chong noted that the situation remains precarious.
“It’s not only about the safety of our children but also the economic implications. If we fall back to Tier 3, our exports to markets like the US and Europe could face restrictions,” Chong warned.
A Call for Government Action: Strengthening Policies and Protection
Chong called on the government to strengthen its policies and take stringent measures to combat human trafficking, urging for quicker responses and more robust actions from law enforcement agencies. He stressed that addressing human trafficking is not merely a matter of legal obligation but also a critical step in safeguarding the future of Malaysia’s youth.
“This is not just a matter of protecting our youth, but it has larger implications for the country as well,” Chong said, emphasizing the urgency of immediate and proactive measures.
Sarawak Human Trafficking Case
The heart-wrenching story of Mdm Chong’s missing children serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly attractive overseas job offers. With the growing threat of human trafficking, the call for swift government intervention is louder than ever. Authorities must act promptly to prevent further tragedies and bring Sarawakians safely home, reinforcing the fight against human trafficking in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.