The non-governmental organization "Justice for Myanmar" confirmed after more than a year of investigation that former Malaysian deputy minister Mashitah Ibrahim was involved in a cyber fraud project in Dongmei, Myawaddy, led by gang leader Wan Kuok-koi. This project included fraud and human trafficking, and a detailed report was released in May this year.
Mashitah Ibrahim previously served as the Deputy Director of the Prime Minister's Office and Senator of the "Malay National Unity Organization" in Malaysia, holding significant authority. According to Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Mashitah is currently under investigation by the Malaysian police, a move that "Justice for Myanmar" has welcomed.
At the inauguration ceremony of the Dongmei Fraud Park, Mashitah, Wan Kuok-koi, and other Malaysian officials participated in the celebration.
The Malaysian police have begun investigating a former deputy minister suspected of connections with a human trafficking group in Myanmar.
Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the news but refrained from further comment to avoid speculation.
Saifuddin said: "The police have initiated an investigation, and I have full confidence in their professionalism in handling this matter."
After attending the "Menyemai Kasih Rakyat Programme" identity document handover ceremony at the community hall in Pulau Redang, Saifuddin revealed to reporters: "However, I can share the views from the recent ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime held in Laos, which noted that human trafficking is increasing among all participating countries."
Saifuddin stated that nearly all ASEAN member states have enacted laws against human trafficking, including Malaysia's "2007 Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act."
Saifuddin added: "The police will intensify efforts to prevent public involvement in such activities. If participation in human trafficking is confirmed, it will be investigated according to the law."
Previously, it was reported that a Malaysian international humanitarian organization had submitted a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on August 28, requesting an investigation into a political figure and her husband's alleged connections with a human trafficking group in Myanmar.
Mashitah has submitted a report to the police denying her involvement with the group and stated that she would not hesitate to take legal action against those trying to link her to these allegations.
The Chief of Malaysian Police, Razarudin Husain, said that when the issue came to light in July this year, the police had already recorded the statements of the political figure and her husband. Husain mentioned that the investigation is still ongoing.
