A 24-year-old Malaysian man from Selangor has allegedly been trapped in a scam compound in Myanmar for around six months after being lured there with the promise of a high-paying job in Thailand.
His family is now desperately seeking help after the syndicate reportedly demanded RM130,000 in exchange for his release.
The victim’s mother recently held a press conference with the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) to plead for her son’s safe return.
Promised lucrative casino job in Thailand
According to Oriental Daily, the victim’s mother said her son, Kelvin, had gone missing in October 2025.
Before that, he had been working part-time at a restaurant and had informed his family that he was planning to take up a job at a casino in Thailand.
She said he was allegedly promised a monthly salary of 80,000 baht, with commissions that could bring his earnings up to 100,000 baht.
However, what was supposed to be a lucrative overseas job opportunity allegedly turned out to be a scam.
Ended up in Myanmar instead
Instead of working in Thailand, Kelvin was reportedly trafficked to Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, an area that has often been linked to scam compounds.
Speaking at the press conference, MHO representative Hu Jieliang said the victim is still being held there.
He added that although the area had been raided multiple times before, such operations were still believed to be continuing.
According to Hu, the supervisor of the compound had reportedly told the victim’s family that the only way Kelvin could be released was if they paid RM130,000 in ransom.
MHO says rescue efforts are being arranged
Meanwhile, MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim that further action would be taken to help bring the victim home.
He said rescue efforts would be coordinated with Thai law enforcement authorities, while an updated list of victims would also be submitted.
Hu Jieliang and MHO member Azrul Shafik are also expected to negotiate with military officers in Shwe Kokko in hopes of securing Kelvin’s release and return to Malaysia.
Family pleads for safe return
With Kelvin allegedly still being held in Myanmar, his mother is now hoping that the authorities and relevant organisations can act swiftly to save him before the situation worsens.
His case is yet another reminder of how fake job offers overseas continue to be used to lure unsuspecting victims into scam operations across the border.
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