Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the 56-year-old woman, who did not have a valid work permit, was found hiding under a four-wheel-drive vehicle on her employer’s orders to avoid detection.

“Based on her initial statement, she was promised a monthly salary of RM600 but was not paid over the past two years,” Zakaria said in a statement.

He said the woman was traumatised after frequently being scolded and beaten, and was forced to work without rest.

She was also not allowed to keep her passport, use a mobile phone, or contact her family.

Her employer, a 51-year-old Malaysian, has been detained. He admitted to obtaining her services through a family member.

The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom). Individuals convicted under this Act may face life imprisonment or a minimum of five years in jail. They may also be caned for more serious offences.

The operation, carried out by a team of officers from the Atipsom division and the anti-money laundering division at the immigration department’s headquarters, was based on information received from a source.

Zakaria urged the public to channel information related to the exploitation of foreign nationals to the immigration department at 03-8880 1471 or via email at [email protected].