Johor bahru: The Johor branch of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) successfully rescued three Indonesian women, believed to be victims of human trafficking, in a special operation conducted on a business premises in Mount Austin here yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation, involving 24 officers from the state enforcement division, was carried out between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm. Its director, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, stated that initial investigations revealed the victims were forced to work in their employers' factory during the day and then at a residence after working hours.

The victims, aged between 24 and 33 years old, included one undocumented migrant worker and were reportedly employed as domestic helpers for one to two years. They were promised a monthly salary of RM1,800 but had not received the full amount since starting work. Additionally, their passports were withheld, their movements restricted, and communication with their families limited.

Mohd Rusdi confirmed that a local man and two women, aged 31 to 62, have been detained to assist in the investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670). The rescue operation identified human trafficking victims among vulnerable groups using the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0.

"Firm action will be taken against any employer who takes advantage of foreign workers through coercion, threats, or exploitation," he added.