Gan (second from left) disclosed that police had busted three cases in the last two years where children were being exploited for money. — Bernama pic
Stop giving donations or buying items from children as it can save them from being trafficking victims.
Perak police say this can prevent children from being exploited by syndicates.
State Criminal Investigations Department chief Datuk Gan Tian Kee said: “If you see children begging or trading, snap a picture and provide us with the information.
“Do not give them money which will only worsen the situation as syndicates will recruit more victims.”
Speaking to reporters after attending the state police contingent’s monthly gathering here yesterday, Gan disclosed that police had busted three cases in the last two years where children were being exploited for money.
The most recent case was on Saturday at Pengkalan Hulu where children were forced into a labour syndicate.
“No children should be begging or working,” he said.
“If you see a child begging and you inform us, you might save a human trafficking victim.”
On the labour syndicate, Gan said police had recorded statements from the estate owner, doctors treating the victims, and welfare officers.
“So far, we have arrested two suspects and are confident of wrapping up our investigations,” he said.
The alleged victims are being put up at centres with good facilities.
It was reported that police had arrested a husband and wife, who headed the forced labour syndicate.
The couple, age 43 and 24, has been remanded since Feb 26.
They were arrested in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, for allegedly trafficking 18 people, including seven children between the ages of six and 17. They are all from Malaysia.
Police raided a shack in an oil palm estate in Belukar Semang, Pengkalan Hulu, at 12.10am on Saturday and found the victims in a dilapidated house.
The victims were allegedly duped into working at the plantation with promises of a RM900 monthly wage, before discovering that the situation was nothing like they imagined.
It was alleged the suspects had acted as middlemen for the plantation company by luring the victims into the estate before waffling on the payments owed.
The victims have been sent to four welfare homes in Selangor, Johor Baru, Rembau and Malacca.
Original article from http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dont-give-or-buy-from-children-say-police
