Kuala Lumpur, Feb 10:
Malaysian police have rescued three Bangladeshi nationals from alleged forced labour conditions at a construction site in the Hulu Terengganu region during a special anti-trafficking drive known as Operation Pintas, local media reported on Monday.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) launched Operation Pintas on January 28 as part of an intensified nationwide campaign to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation. The rescue operation was carried out on the evening of February 8 by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) D7 division of the Terengganu police contingent, in coordination with the Hulu Terengganu district police headquarters.
Hulu Terengganu district police chief Superintendent Sharudin Abdul Wahab said a 46-year-old local man, believed to be the employer, was arrested during the raid. The suspect is accused of exploiting three Bangladeshi men aged between 29 and 44 who were employed as construction workers.
“Police rescued three Bangladeshi nationals believed to be victims of forced labour. Initial investigations revealed that they were subjected to irregular working hours and had not received wages for the past five months,” Sharudin said, as quoted by Malaysian National News Agency Bernama. Due to the lack of income, the victims were reportedly forced to survive by fishing and collecting forest produce around the Tasik Kenyir area.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect failed to provide proper accommodation and had confiscated the victims’ passports and work permits, restricting their freedom of movement. Police said such actions are clear indicators of labour exploitation and human trafficking.
Sharudin added that the rescued workers would undergo medical examinations after the completion of procedures to obtain an Interim Protection Order (IPO), which would allow them to remain under state protection during the investigation.
The case is being probed under Sections 44 and 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007. Emphasizing zero tolerance towards trafficking crimes, Sharudin said police would continue to take firm action against offenders and urged members of the public to come forward with any relevant information.
Malaysia has intensified security and enforcement actions in recent years, including earlier operations involving Bangladeshi nationals linked to extremist activities, underscoring the authorities’ broader focus on national security and migrant welfare.
