Heng Zhi Li alleged the victims were threatened and physically harmed during their time spent forcibly working for the syndicates.

“Some were physically assaulted with one even being tased (using a stun gun) for attempting to get help from outsiders,” he told reporters at klia2 after the return of the 12 Malaysians.

Heng’s claims contradict comments made earlier by Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) director Abd Jalil Hassan, who said there were no injuries reported among the group who returned today.

However, Jalil’s comments came before police had recorded the victims’ statements. He said the authorities would provide an update on the investigation in the coming days.

Commenting further, Heng said the victims were promised high salaries but received little to no payments and were allegedly forced to work as online scammers to cheat others.

The victims were instead given “cash vouchers” to spend on food and basic necessities within the building they were held in, he added.

Heng said the syndicates forged work permits and applied for visas to get the victims into the country.

Heng, who is an MCA Youth central committee member, said one of the victims’ family members resorted to paying RM18,000 in ransom to a syndicate for the release of their son.

Earlier today, 12 Malaysians returned home after being rescued by Cambodian police last week. Another four did not fly home as they are currently undergoing quarantine in Cambodia after testing positive for Covid-19.

Police spent over three hours recording statements from the 12 before they were allowed to leave the airport.

According to Jalil, the authorities would continue to work towards bringing home any Malaysian believed to be held captive abroad.

He said police had received 35 reports involving 45 Malaysians who were in need of rescue in various neighbouring countries.