After being lured to Cambodia under false pretenses, a 38-year-old single father (pseudonym: Xiao Fei) has finally returned to Malaysia, reuniting with his family just in time for the Lunar New Year. His harrowing two-month ordeal, marked by deception, fear, and desperation, came to an end with the intervention of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organization (MHO).
The Ordeal
Xiao Fei, a father of three, left Malaysia on October 24, 2024, believing he was starting a job as a private driver in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, he was taken to a scam syndicate’s compound and forced to participate in illegal activities.
Being completely unfamiliar with computers, unable to speak English, and resistant to fraud work, Xiao Fei was deemed “useless” by the syndicate. Instead of being physically harmed, he was “abandoned” in the compound, provided only minimal food and shelter, and stripped of his passport to prevent escape.
Living in constant fear, Xiao Fei’s health deteriorated significantly, with his weight dropping from 90kg to 70kg.
The Turning Point
Realizing he was in grave danger, Xiao Fei reached out to a friend, who alerted his mother. On December 27, his mother held a press conference with MHO to expose the situation and appeal for help. This public pressure prompted the syndicate to return Xiao Fei’s passport and release him, fearing legal and media attention.
Xiao Fei, along with two other Malaysians who were similarly trapped, returned to Malaysia safely today, landing at KLIA2.
Gratitude and Reunion
At the airport, Xiao Fei expressed profound gratitude to MHO for their assistance. His uncle, Mr. Wong (62), presented a Chinese New Year gift basket to MHO’s Chinese Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hu Jie Liang, and their frontline representative, Azrul Shafie, as a token of thanks.
“I’m so grateful to MHO for arranging my safe return,” Xiao Fei said. “This experience was a nightmare, but being home with my family for the Lunar New Year is the best gift I could ask for.”
A Cautionary Tale
Xiao Fei’s story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of job scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Families are urged to verify job offers and remain vigilant against syndicates that exploit people seeking better opportunities abroad.
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