In a statement today, Immigration Department director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the operation was conducted on Oct 27 by the Prevention Division of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) and Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla).

They rescued six Nepalese men, aged between 30 and 40, who are believed to be victims of forced labour by a local security company.

Khairul said the victims were found in poor condition, in cramped and uncomfortable living quarters provided by the company.

“From the interviews with the victims, it was found that they had been unemployed for almost six months without any salary.

“The victims claimed they were neglected by their employers and no aid was given to them,” he said, adding that the victims also said their employer refused to meet them.

He said all victims had tested negative for Covid-19 and are currently placed at a shelter.

Khairul said inspections have been carried out at the security company and several documents were confiscated for further investigation.

He added that the employer had been called up for questioning and the case is being investigated under Section 12 of Atipsom.