Families worry about victims’ safety
KUCHING: The families of 47 Malaysians detained in Cambodia are becoming restless and anxious over their safety at the prison of Banteay Meanchey, Phnom Penh.
Special affairs adviser (Sarawak affairs) in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Seri Hafsah Harun, said the concerns were justified as most of the detainees were young.
“It is the 60th day of their detention in Cambodia.
“I urge state and federal government leaders to visit the family members. This can ease their worries.
“I am organising a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the victims’ family members.
“I urge all Malaysians not to speculate on social media for fear that this will disrupt the negotiation between the Malaysian and Cambodian governments,” she said here yesterday.
Of the 47 detained since Dec 11, 44 are from Sarawak, most of whom are as young as 19.
They are believed to be victims of a trafficking syndicate, which duped them with the offer of an attractive pay if they agreed to work in Cambodia.
They were detained by local authorities on alleged involvement in online gambling, but were not charged in court.
According to Cambodian laws, they can be detained without trial for three years.
Hafsah said she appreciated the commitment by the Foreign Ministry, which acted swiftly by holding a special press conference led by Julau member of parliament Larry Sng on Thursday.
“I appreciate the ministry’s efforts to bring home all the detainees.”