Johor Bahru (North) police chief Balveer Singh said the 39-year-old man and 36-year-old woman were rescued following the arrest of a 67-year-old man in the area.

“The man is believed to have acted as the transporter, bringing the victims to beg at night markets and eateries around Johor Bahru.

“This activity is believed to have been ongoing since the beginning of last month, with earnings ranging from RM50 to RM150 a day,” he said in a statement.

Police also seized several items, including a mobile phone, a public transport agency driver’s card and a car.

Balveer said the man has been remanded for five days while the two foreigners have been placed in a shelter for 21 days under Section 44(2) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007.