Rescued foreigners were promised jobs

GEORGE TOWN: The three foreign men rescued from wrongful confinement during a police raid on an apartment here on Tuesday had been promised employment — but were never given jobs.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad told the New Straits Times that the victims had been held for periods ranging from four months to a year.
"Yes, their legs were chained, but not around the clock. There were times when the caretaker removed the chains upon request.
"They also remained silent throughout their confinement, which is why neighbours were completely unaware of the situation," he said.
Rozak added that one of the men had secretly hidden a mobile phone and managed to contact a relative in Indonesia for help — a move that led to their rescue.
He said investigations were ongoing.
The victims — aged between 28 and 52 — were found in good health and rescued following a report lodged by a 47-year-old foreigner, who claimed his friends were being held against their will.
The raid, conducted on Tuesday, led to the arrest of three Malaysian men aged between 40 and 56, along with a 40-year-old foreign woman believed to have been guarding the victims.
Rozak said that two of the suspects were expected to be charged in court tomorrow.
Meanwhile, residents at the apartment complex said they were shocked to learn about the incident.
Some, who spoke to the NST on condition of anonymity, said they had no idea anyone was being held captive.
A resident living a few floors above the unit said there was nothing unusual to indicate something was wrong.
"We didn't hear anything suspicious — no shouting or signs of distress.
"We only found out what happened when we saw it on social media," he said.
Another resident, who lives just a few doors away, said they only realised something was amiss when police officers arrived on Tuesday afternoon.

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