KUALA LUMPUR: A 19-year-old Malaysian was rescued by the Malaysian Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, from a job scam syndicate at a hotel in the capital city yesterday.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that the rescue was done following reports from both the Malaysian police and the victim's family.

"The victim had been deceived by a foreign national through social media and transported out of Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 on Monday (March 25).

"However, prompt action by the Malaysian Embassy in Vientiane successfully thwarted the syndicate's attempt to recruit the victim.

"The embassy also provided consular assistance, and the victim was repatriated today (Friday)," read the statement.

The ministry expressed its appreciation to the police for their prompt and proactive action in detecting and rescuing the victim, in close cooperation with the Malaysian Embassy in Vientiane.

"The ministry extends its highest appreciation to the Laotian authorities for their continuous cooperation and giving priority to assisting the Malaysian government in rescuing victims of job scam syndicates, including this most recent case.

"The Ministry advises all Malaysian citizens to remain vigilant regarding job offers abroad.

"Victims or family members of suspected victims are urged to promptly report the matter to the police and the ministry."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1032133/malaysian-rescued-job-scam-syndicate-laos-wisma-putra