KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for swift action against rising online job and study scams targeting Sarawak youths.
In making the call he warned that these deceptive schemes mirror modern human trafficking and exploitation.
He highlighted the recent case revealed by the Malaysian Tribunal for Consumer Protection Movement (MTPN) Sarawak involving a young victim who was deceived, coerced, and threatened into making payments under duress.
It underscores the lack of preventive enforcement and the pressing need for stronger, proactive measures by all relevant authorities, he argued.
“What began as a so-called job and study offer turned into coercion, intimidation and extortion. This is not just a scam but it is human trafficking in disguise.
“Our young people are being treated as commodities by syndicates that exploit their hopes for a better future,” said Yap in a press statement on Monday (Nov 3).
He explained that most of these crimes now originate online, with syndicates using social media, fake recruitment portals, and messaging apps to lure unsuspecting victims.
According to him, online platforms have become the new hunting ground for syndicates targeting vulnerable youths, making it crucial for government authorities to intervene early, particularly at the stage of digital recruitment.
Yap also criticised the reactive approach of some enforcement bodies, saying that actions are often taken only after victims have suffered losses or trauma.
“Government authorities must stop being reactive. Too often, enforcement only happens after victims are trapped or money has been lost.
“Prevention must come first, through digital monitoring, public education, and early intervention. By the time a report is made or a case is highlighted by the media, the damage is already done,” he said.
Yap urged stronger cooperation between the police, Immigration Department, Labour Department, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to identify, disrupt, and dismantle digital networks that enable human trafficking and labour exploitation.
He added that MCMC should intensify monitoring of online scam advertisements and immediately block fake recruitment sites, while enforcement agencies must categorise deceptive recruitment practices as human trafficking, not merely fraud.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Education to strengthen awareness and digital literacy initiatives, particularly targeting school leavers, job seekers, and parents.
“Our youths must be educated about the risks of online job offers that sound too good to be true. Many victims are not greedy; they are simply hopeful for a better future.
“It is our duty to protect that hope and ensure they are not exploited. Authorities must safeguard our people before they become victims, not after,” he said.
