Latest news with #IsmailMokhtar
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Human trafficking syndicate disguised as a job agency busted
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has busted a human trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of a job agency in Klang following raids on three premises. Immigration deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar said the operation, led by the department's Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Money Laundering Division in Putrajaya, was carried out upon receiving public complaints and after two weeks of intelligence gathering. "A local woman, believed to be the mastermind, and two Filipino women acting as caretakers of the premises were arrested during the operation," he said in a statement today. Nine Filipino women believed to be victims were rescued, while 10 others aged between 26 and 43 were detained for further investigation. All of them lacked valid passports or visit passes. The premises, believed to be used as a holding area for the victims, were seized along with several Philippine and Indonesian passports, and mobile phones containing suspected evidence of communication between the mastermind and caretakers. Ismail said the modus operandi involved luring foreign workers from source countries with false promises of employment. Upon arrival, they were bound by contracts and prohibited from returning to their home countries. They were forced to work and made to pay exorbitant fees set by the agency. "These women were made to work part-time as domestic helpers for multiple employers, earning between RM70 and RM120 per day. "However, the wages were collected entirely by the agency without the victims' knowledge or consent," he said. He added that the victims were tightly controlled, with their passports held by the agency and their phones confiscated by the caretakers, only returned when deemed necessary. The operation also adopted a victim-identification approach based on the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 to detect elements of forced labour, particularly among vulnerable groups. Ismail said investigations are now underway under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, and whipping upon conviction. "The public is urged to continue channeling information about the exploitation of foreign nationals to the Immigration Department so immediate and firm action can be taken," he said.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Immigration Department denies issuing viral statement on Korban meat distribution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has denied issuing any statement regarding guidelines for the distribution of 'Qurban' (sacrificial) meat at mosques in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. JIM Deputy Director-General (Management) Ismail Mokhtar said the department was aware of the statement, dated June 5, 2025, that had gone viral. 'For the record, the statement is false and has never been issued by JIM,' he said in a statement here today. He also advised the public to always refer to the department's official channels for accurate and authentic information. 'JIM takes the dissemination of false information seriously, especially when it can lead to public confusion. Any unauthorised use of the department's official emblem and name is an offence and may be subject to legal action,' he added. The fake statement, dated June 5, 2025, that went viral, used the name of Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. Among the things claimed in the statement was that only foreign nationals with valid work permits and visas, or those with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards, were allowed to receive Qurban meat at mosques. It also said that illegal immigrants who collected the meat would face immediate action. — Bernama
Malaysiakini
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Immigration denies issuing qurban meat guidelines
The Malaysian Immigration Department has denied issuing any statement regarding guidelines for the distribution of qurban (sacrificial) meat at mosques in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. Immigration deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar said the department was aware of the statement, dated June 5, 2025, that had gone viral.
Malay Mail
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Immigration Department denies issuing viral statement on Qurban meat distribution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has denied issuing any statement regarding guidelines for the distribution of 'Qurban' (sacrificial) meat at mosques in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. JIM Deputy Director-General (Management) Ismail Mokhtar said the department was aware of the statement, dated June 5, 2025, that had gone viral. 'For the record, the statement is false and has never been issued by JIM,' he said in a statement here today. He also advised the public to always refer to the department's official channels for accurate and authentic information. 'JIM takes the dissemination of false information seriously, especially when it can lead to public confusion. Any unauthorised use of the department's official emblem and name is an offence and may be subject to legal action,' he added. The fake statement, dated June 5, 2025, that went viral, used the name of Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. Among the things claimed in the statement was that only foreign nationals with valid work permits and visas, or those with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards, were allowed to receive Qurban meat at mosques. It also said that illegal immigrants who collected the meat would face immediate action. — Bernama
Malaysiakini
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Immigration denies issuing qurban meat guidelines
The Malaysian Immigration Department has denied issuing any statement regarding guidelines for the distribution of qurban (sacrificial) meat at mosques in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. Immigration deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar said the department was aware of the statement, dated June 5, 2025, that had gone viral.
