Two foreign women rescued in Kuching human trafficking raid

KUCHING: A police raid on a house in Jalan Chawan, here led to the rescue of two foreign women believed to be victims of forced labour exploitation.

Kuching OCPD ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the raid, conducted by a team from the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department, took place around 6pm on October 10.

“The victims, aged between 20 and 30, were found in dire conditions, and authorities suspect they had been exploited for labour.

“During the operation, the police arrested a 64-year-old local woman who is believed to be involved in the trafficking operation. She has been remanded to assist with the ongoing investigation,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine, if convicted.

Police urged the public to provide any information related to forced labour exploitation by contacting the Kuching IPD Control Center at 082-244444 or visiting the nearest police station.