By Kenny Teng
TAK (Thailand), Feb 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy has confirmed that 15 of the 261 victims rescued from job scam syndicates in Myanmar are Malaysian nationals.
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Malaysia to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said that a consular officer from the Embassy, has conducted a consular visit to Tak Province, northern Thailand.
Bong stated that all Malaysians, including three women aged between 19 and 44 years, are in good health, although some remain traumatised and appear visibly exhausted.
"Our consular officer reported that all victims are being well cared for by the Thai authorities. They are housed in separate male and female dormitories within the military camp.
"We have also verified their identities and contacted their next of kin to arrange for their repatriation to Malaysia. All victims are reported to be in stable condition, with adequate food and shelter provided," he told Bernama on Monday.
However, Bong said that during a meeting with Kingkan Choopitakpaopong from the Division of Anti-Trafficking in Persons under the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, and Jiraporn Kamputh, Chief of Tak Provincial Social Development and Human Security on Sunday, the embassy was informed that the victims are only allowed to stay at the military camp until Feb 18.
"We were informed that the victims currently housed at the military camp will need to make way for a new group of rescued victims from Myanmar this week," he said.
Bong added that the embassy is working with Thai authorities to process the necessary documentation to facilitate the victims' repatriation, and they are expected to transit through Bangkok’s airport before their return to Malaysia.
"At present, we have identified four victims without passports, one with an expired passport, and some with overstayed visas. We are assisting them in sorting out their travel documents to ensure they can return home safely," he said.
Last Wednesday, Bernama reported that the victims were rescued by Myanmar authorities in the border towns of KK Park and Shwe Kokko, before transferred to Thailand for deportation.
-- BERNAMA
