Sim wants to know the latest number of Malaysians involved, as well as the number of those who have been rescued and those who were still held captive.

Last week, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government was looking into tightening up the laws to protect Malaysians from being conned by syndicates offering fake job offers abroad.

He said there were many who became victims as the syndicates were hiding in overseas countries including Myanmar.

Police said recently that a total of 262 reports had been received about job scams. More than 330 Malaysians are believed to be currently held in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Raising EPF dividend rate

Other questions listed on the Order Paper today are:

Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) will ask the finance minister about the government’s measures to increase the dividend rate in rebuilding contributions to the Employees Provident Fund at a faster rate, by taking into account the long-term investment portfolio strategy and the short-term and medium-term global economic risks.

Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) who is expected to ask the rural and regional development minister about the government’s plans to carry out maintenance and repair works on infrastructure and rural facilities damaged by floods.

Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) will ask the agriculture and food security minister about the government’s steps to improve Malaysia’s position in the Global Food Security Index.

After Question Time, MPs will take part in the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address.

The Dewan Rakyat will sit for 29 days until March 30.