KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra has confirmed that a Malaysian citizen is one of the 39 individuals who fled an online scam centre in Myanmar to the Thailand border.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan when contacted said the individual's identity, who is of Chinese descent, was verified through personal information received by the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok.
He said the Malaysian is currently under the care of Thailand's National Referral Mechanism, which works closely with Thai police to identify victims of human trafficking and ensure they receive appropriate support.
"Malaysia's diplomatic representatives are also reaching out to the individual's family while cooperating with Thai authorities to provide all necessary assistance.
"Efforts are also underway to facilitate the individual's safe return to Malaysia.
"This measure aligns with the Thai government's initiative to assist human trafficking victims in the country," he told the New Straits Times.
Yesterday, it was reported that 39 foreigners had fled an online scam centre in Myanmar across the border to Thailand.
Police told AFP on Monday that officials were working to identify potential trafficking victims.
The Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia and Russia group crossed into Thailand's Tak province. They had fled from Myawaddy just across the border.
Mohamad added that Malaysia remains in close contact with relevant parties, including the Myanmar government, to trace victims of job scams and offer necessary consular assistance.