More than 700 Malaysians have been rescued from scammers overseas since 2020, but nearly 200 are still stranded, Parliament has been told

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — Malaysian police have rescued 707 Malaysians who were involved in overseas employment scams since 2020, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He added that police were still searching for 199 more Malaysians who were allegedly caught up in an overseas employment scam.

“The total number of Malaysians involved was 906.

“This figure is based on reports from their immediate family, family members, friends, police and the people themselves,” he said during Question Time.

He said that upon receiving such reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its representatives abroad, will hold a meeting with local authorities to find citizens caught in such situations and ensure their rescue or release and send them back home.

“I also want to remind people not to risk high salaries for jobs that don’t exist because you will likely be putting yourself in serious danger.

“If there is any doubt, check the job offer with the Ministry of Human Resources, the Malaysian mission abroad or other authorities,” the deputy minister said.

The government has also made efforts to raise awareness beyond social media, most recently holding a talk on employment scams in Sabah last week.