Malaysian Man Escapes Cambodia Job Scam Nightmare, Reveals Torture & 700 Others Still Trapped

A Nightmare Unveiled: Malaysian Victim Recounts Horrific Ordeal in Cambodian Job Scam, 700 Still Trapped

A Malaysian businessman, Muhammad Syafiq Pubalan Abdullah, 40, has bravely come forward to expose the horrific realities of a job scam syndicate operating in Cambodia, from which he narrowly escaped. His harrowing account, revealed during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, sheds light on a cruel trap that still holds an estimated 700 other Malaysians captive, subjecting them to torture and abuse.

Lured by a 'Friend,' Trapped in Hell

Syafiq's nightmare began with a deceptive offer from a long-time friend of 12 years. He was convinced to open a Malaysian restaurant in Cambodia, a seemingly legitimate business venture. Trusting his acquaintance, Syafiq embarked on a journey from Alor Setar to Bangkok, where he was met by a driver who took an unconventional route into Cambodia, deliberately obscuring his path of return.

Upon arrival in what he described as a small town in Phnom Penh, guarded by soldiers and featuring a casino, Syafiq quickly realized the sinister truth. His "workplace" was a front for an elaborate online scam operation. He and hundreds of others were forced to impersonate cybersecurity officers from Singapore, luring victims with fake job advertisements in Malaysia. Their modus operandi involved obtaining IC numbers under the guise of filing denial reports, which then allowed them to access sensitive personal data. Syafiq recalled witnessing one Singaporean being swindled out of S$67,000 under his watch.

Brutal Captivity and Desperate Escape

The conditions endured by the victims were appalling. Syafiq recounted being beaten daily during his first week. He chillingly described women being beaten with belts and heard a terrifying account of a female victim being raped by 11 individuals after her mother reported her missing to the police. Compounding the psychological and physical torment, Syafiq, a Muslim, was repeatedly forced to consume pork, with refusal met by further beatings. Communication with the outside world was severely restricted, and any brief phone calls were constantly monitored. He shared a hostel room with eight other Malaysian captives.

Syafiq's eventual escape was orchestrated by his vigilant wife, Jamilah Ahmad, 42. Sensing distress during a monitored phone call, Jamilah posted a video detailing her husband's plight and exposing the deceptive "friend." She then confronted the scam agent, demanding her husband's return. Initially, a ransom of RM6,000 (approximately S$1,900) was demanded, which Jamilah could not immediately pay. However, after she lodged a second police report, explicitly naming the agent, her husband was released two days later. Jamilah believes the "friend" ultimately paid the ransom.

A Call for Urgent Action

The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM), which organized the press conference, has vehemently urged authorities to take decisive action. Nadzim Johan, PPIM chief and activist, stressed the immediate need to arrest the responsible agents and secure the freedom of the estimated 700 Malaysians still trapped. He highlighted the escalating crisis of online scams and advocated for the establishment of a specialized government department dedicated to combating these pervasive crimes. The testimonies like Syafiq's serve as a stark reminder of the sophisticated and brutal tactics employed by these syndicates, underscoring the urgency for national and international collaboration to dismantle them and protect vulnerable citizens.