KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian man has reportedly fallen victim to a scam syndicate in Cambodia after being lured by the promise of a lucrative job as a personal driver earning RM5,000 monthly.
Goh, 38, a divorcee and father of three, left for Cambodia on Oct 24 after being persuaded by a Malaysian friend who was also working there.
His mother, Madam Ng, first tried to contact him on Oct 28 but could not reach him.
Days later, Goh's friend video-called her to reveal his predicament, allowing her to speak briefly with her son.
"On Dec 3, he begged me to save him. He used to be chubby, but now he is thin, with bruises and cuts on his face," Madam Ng tearfully shared during a press conference by the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) today.
"I don't know if he has contacted the police there. I've lodged a police report here. He told me he's being bullied. I plead with the media to spread the word so we can save him," she said, overcome with emotion.
Goh's uncle, who wants to be known as Mr Ng, described him as "simple and loyal" but admitted he might have been tempted by the promise of a high salary.
"He wanted to earn money to take care of his mother. But a salary like that without a high education? It's hard to say he was completely deceived — greed played a role," he said.
MHO president Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said Goh had crossed into Thailand via the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS before continuing into Cambodia, based on GPS data Goh shared, which placed him near the Cambodia-Thailand border.
"The scam centre hasn't demanded compensation yet, which is unusual. In most cases, compensation is requested," he said.
He added that many Malaysians were lured abroad with job promises but were instead forced to engage in scams.
"Victims like Goh often refuse to scam others out of sympathy, which makes them targets for abuse. Because he didn't meet their earnings targets, he was tortured and beaten," he explained.
Hishamuddin credited media coverage for raising awareness and pressuring foreign authorities to act in past human trafficking cases.
"Human trafficking incidents have decreased between 2022 and 2024, thanks to heightened awareness driven by media, NGOs, and government efforts. Authorities in Cambodia and Laos, for instance, respond more aggressively when Malaysia is involved," he said.
MHO urged the public to remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to similar scams.