In preparation for the ASEAN Summit 2025, Malaysia has announced its intent to prioritise the issue of job scams as one of the key agendas.
As the chair of the upcoming summit, Malaysia aims to address the global crisis of job scams, which has escalated into a significant concern.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail underscored Malaysia’s proactive stance on tackling this issue, highlighting the country’s pioneering move among ASEAN nations to include job scams as a prominent topic for discussion.
The decision stems from the recognition of job scams as a form of human trafficking crime, reclassified from fraud by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Saifuddin revealed during a Dewan Negara session that Malaysia has witnessed a surge in job scam reports, with 362 cases reported since September 2021, affecting 470 victims. Out of these victims, 331 have been successfully rescued, while 139 remain stranded in the countries implicated in the scams.
To combat this growing menace, Malaysia plans to launch joint initiatives with Malaysia Airports Berhad to raise public awareness about job scams and human trafficking.
These efforts will involve setting up counters at exit points across the country to educate travelers before departure, allowing them to verify the legitimacy of overseas opportunities and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
Saifuddin emphasised the importance of continuous vigilance and public education in combatting job scams, indicating that electronic displays at exit points will serve as a reminder to travelers to remain cautious. “At these counters, they may check beforehand before proceeding further. We will also have electronic or digital displays at the country’s exit points as a final effort to continue reminding the public,” he said.
