Foreign workers duped by ring promising better jobs

A GROUP of workers from Bangladesh and the Philippines, who held valid Malaysian working permits, had been duped by a syndicate which had lured them with promises of a better job in Australia and New Zealand.

China Press reported that the workers had come to know of the “agent” through banners hung around their workplaces.

Most of the foreign workers had paid about RM5,000 each to the syndicate.

However, they found out it was just a scam when the “agent” disappeared.

Apparently, the foreign workers did not lodge police reports as they were afraid that their employers might fire them for intending to leave for a better job.

A 36-year-old worker from Bangladesh told the daily that he and another four workers had paid RM4,600 each for the “agent” to get them air tickets and apply for working permits.

“We saw many Malaysians who had also applied to work overseas through the agent so we thought everything was all right,” he said, adding that he earned RM1,200 a month working in Kuala Lumpur.

The victim said some of his friends had borrowed money to pay for the fees.

He also said they were supposed to go to Australia on Oct 28.

> Guang Ming Daily reported that Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho’s daughter Florinda Ho had plans to marry TVB actor Joel Chan, 35.

Florinda, 23, is a daughter of Stanley with Ina Chan. Apparently, Ina was initially reluctant to give her blessings for the marriage.

In fact, Ina and Joel have had several arguments over the matter.

Eventually, Ina said she would not stop the marriage.