KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 30 unlicensed domestic helper recruitment scams causing RM269,772 in losses were recorded from January 2023 to October 2025, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
He said police data showed 11 cases in 2023 and four in 2024, adding cases rose to 15 as of October this year.
Abdul Rahman said syndicates exploited the public via digital platforms, fake advertisements and online offers for non-existent helpers.
He said the Human Resources Ministry remains firm in curbing scams and protecting victims, adding only licensed and transparent recruitment agencies are allowed to operate.
Abdul Rahman added under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981, only licensed Private Employment Agencies can handle recruitment.
He said this includes hiring and placing foreign domestic helpers and is enforced by JTKSM and reminded the House that unlicensed recruitment is an offence under Section 7(2) of the Act.
He said it carries a fine of up to RM200,000, three years’ jail or both.
Between 2023 and 2025, JTKSM prosecuted 13 cases involving APS for various breaches.
These included operating without a licence under Section 7 and failing to comply with licence conditions under Section 9.
They also included not carrying identification documents during recruitment under Section 13D.
“The courts imposed RM205,000 in fines for these offences,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 24).
Abdul Rahman said this in response to Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN–Paya Besar).
He asked for the number of maid scam cases reported over the past three years and measures taken.
Abdul Rahman then said the law is clear and penalties are substantial, but offenders still take risks.
“The law provides heavy penalties, including imprisonment, yet people still dare to offend, as in drug cases,” he said.
Abdul Rahman added that closer collaboration with the Digital Ministry is increasingly important.
“In the digital space, we work with the Digital Ministry, police and Immigration through integrated operations,” he said.
He added these efforts are crucial to detect and stop fraudulent schemes early and said agencies coordinate to verify online recruitment offers and monitor compliance with Act 246.
“We have the law, but these offences continue, so cooperation with enforcement partners is essential,” he said.
