Cops rescue man from slave-like working conditions
AN Indian national who toiled in slavelike conditions and lived in a cowshed in Felda Titi in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan, has been freed by police, Harian Metro reported.
K. Thachanamurthi, 45, from Tamil Nadu, told Jelebu OCPD Deputy Supt Kamarul Rizal Jenal that he had been forced to work at the farm since arriving in 2014.
He claimed that he slaved for about 19 hours a day for low wages, doing tasks that included taking care of the farm animals and cleaning out manure.
DSP Kamarul said a police team sent there on Monday evening to investigate the case found Thachanamurthi living in a small filthy room.
Thachanamurthi was allegedly made to work without any rest days, and starting from 3.30am till 10pm daily.
“He was denied any holidays for three years, not paid overtime and his movements were restricted,” said DSP Kamarul, adding that even the cost for the meagre food served to him was deducted from his wages.
Police detained a local man, aged 49, who will be remanded for five days until Saturday to assist in the investigation, under Section 12 of the AntiTrafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“The victim has been put in protective custody,” said DSP Kamarul.
Thachanarmurthi will also undergo a health check for signs of physical abuse.
> Wedding planner Zurin Jundi is ready to refund 91 couples their deposits for packages booked with the company, reported Kosmo!.
The company’s lawyer Muhamad Akmal Arif Shamsul Kahar told a press conference in Klang that the clients could opt for a refund or continue with the service.
The press conference was also attended by the company’s 35yearold owner, Zurina Ahmad Jundi.
Several people recently went to the Zurin Jundi boutique in Shah Alam to demand an explanation from Zurina over what they claimed were unfulfilled wedding packages and issues with the catering, bridal dais and the photography.
According to the lawyer, the incident – news of which had gone viral on Facebook – caused his client’s business to suffer.
He alleged that some people were sabotaging the company’s business.
> Popular Indonesian actress Laudya Cynthia Bella is set to wed Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin ( pic) tomorrow.
Harian Metro quoted a source as saying that the event, which will be a small do open only to the couple’s families and close friends, will be at a venue in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle.
Actress Erra Fazira expressed her happiness at her former partner’s impending nuptials.
Erra, who was married to Engku Emran from 2007 to 2014, said their daughter Engku Aleesya was also delighted to meet Bella when they were introduced.
A picture on Bella’s Instagram account, of her in a purple bridal gown and at prayer, has amassed more than 700,000 likes and more than 19,000 comments congratulating her on her big day.