In a significant operation on May 2, 2025, Malaysian immigration officers dismantled a S-trafficking ring operating under the guise of a spa and massage parlour in Johor Bahru. The raid led to the rescue of ten underage girls and the detention of over 50 foreign women, revealing the dark underbelly of human trafficking in the region.
Rescue of Underage Victims
During the raid, authorities rescued ten girls, six from Vietnam and four from Indonesia, who had been coerced into providing S-services. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed that these young victims had their passports confiscated and were denied any form of payment for their services. The operation highlighted the alarming issue of underage trafficking in Malaysia.
Discovery of a Larger Trafficking Network
In total, 71 individuals were detained, including 43 women believed to be part of a broader prostitution network. Among them, 37 were Vietnamese and 16 were Indonesian, aged between 18 and 40. Many of these women were found either servicing clients or hiding in a concealed room designed to evade detection. The raid also resulted in the arrest of seven local men, suspected of being caretakers or owners of the establishment, along with 11 Indonesian and Bangladeshi men employed as cleaners.
Deceptive Recruitment Tactics
Investigations revealed that the victims were initially lured by false job offers, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt bondage and restricted movement. The syndicate utilized popular messaging platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp to discreetly market their services, charging clients between RM200 and RM300 per hour. Some women reportedly earned between RM5,000 and RM10,000 monthly, with the profits funneled directly to the traffickers.
Seizure of Cash and Victim Support
During the operation, authorities seized RM128,464 in cash, believed to be the proceeds from the illegal activities. The ten underage victims were promptly relocated to a government-designated safe house, where they would receive the necessary support and care. Investigations are ongoing under Malaysia’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Money Laundering Acts (Atipsom and Amla).
National Guidelines and Ongoing Efforts
The raid was coordinated by the Anti-Trafficking Division in Putrajaya, following public complaints and undercover intelligence. Victims were identified based on Malaysia’s National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators, which include signs of restricted movement, unpaid labor, and confiscated documents. Zakaria emphasized the department’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks that operate under the guise of legitimate businesses.
Concealed Operations and Future Vigilance
The establishment was specifically designed to obstruct law enforcement, featuring hidden compartments and escape routes. Several suspects attempted to hide in a secret room during the raid but were apprehended. This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by cross-border human trafficking networks in Southeast Asia, particularly those targeting vulnerable women under the pretense of legitimate employment.
The Johor Bahru raid serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for increased vigilance and cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam to combat such syndicates and protect the rights and safety of women in the region.