Researchers: Dr. Nurul Huda Hamzah & Nursyakirah Nordin
Dr. Nurul Huda Hamzah from Universiti Malaya (UM) and Nursyakirah Nordin from University College of MAIWP International (UCMI) have been actively researching the surge in human trafficking and job scams targeting Malaysians. Their work is supported by funding from the Geran Tun Ahmad Sarji Research Endowment Fund (TASREF, 2025), which enables them to explore the evolving nature of transnational crime and its impact on Malaysian society.
Their research highlights a disturbing trend: the increasing number of Malaysians being lured into human trafficking schemes via fraudulent online job advertisements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2025) reported that, through efforts coordinated by Malaysian embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, 25 Malaysians trapped in scam syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar, were successfully repatriated. These individuals were deceived by false employment promises and subsequently coerced into participating in illegal activities such as cyber fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and romance scams.
The data for this research were provided through close cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Bahagian D3 (ATIPSOM), Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah, Bukit Aman, whose unwavering support and strategic partnership have been instrumental in furnishing detailed data and operational insights. This strong collaboration has significantly enhanced the depth, accuracy, and real-world relevance of the research findings. Since January, PDRM has received 489 reports involving 637 Malaysian victims of job scam syndicates, with youths being particularly vulnerable (BERNAMA, 2025). The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) recorded nearly 60,000 scam-related calls, with 22,670 confirmed scam cases causing financial losses exceeding RM203 million. To address this, nationwide initiatives like “Jelajah Anti-Scam Kebangsaan 2023” have been launched to raise public awareness, while regional collaborations are being strengthened to enhance prevention and victim support mechanisms.
Human trafficking, often concealed under the guise of legitimate employment, remains a complex global issue. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC, 2024) states that millions fall victim to trafficking annually, with deceptive job offers playing a central role—especially in regions plagued by unemployment and limited economic opportunity. The widespread use of online job portals has made it easier for traffickers to expand their operations and evade detection.
As observed in a 2023 report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the profile of trafficking victims has changed dramatically. Unlike earlier cases that typically involved individuals with little education and low-income jobs, recent victims are often well-educated, computer-literate, and multilingual. Many of which even hold professional or postgraduate qualifications. Victims have been identified across the ASEAN region (including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines), as well as in China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), South Asia, East Africa, Egypt, Turkey, and Brazil. While men make up the majority, women and adolescents are also increasingly being targeted.
Backed by TASREF funding, Nursyakirah and Nurul Huda’s research aims to inform national policy and contribute to a deeper understanding of the digital and psychological mechanisms behind modern trafficking schemes.