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Malaysian brothers jailed seven years for exploiting Indonesian migrant workers

A Sessions Court in Teluk Intan has convicted two brothers of exploiting six Indonesian women, with the judge describing their actions as constituting 'modern slavery'. The men received seven-year prison sentences for their offences.

LSN Malaysia · 24 August 2026

Malaysian brothers jailed seven years for exploiting Indonesian migrant workers

The Teluk Intan Sessions Court found the siblings guilty of subjecting their victims to conditions that amounted to modern servitude, marking a significant ruling against labour trafficking in Malaysia. The court heard evidence detailing how the six Indonesian women were held under exploitative conditions during their employment. Judicial authorities have increasingly focused on combating human trafficking and labour exploitation, which remain persistent challenges across the region despite enforcement efforts. The conviction underscores Malaysia's commitment to prosecuting those who abuse migrant workers, a vulnerable population that frequently faces wage theft, document confiscation, and restricted movement. The case reflects broader concerns about the treatment of foreign domestic and migrant workers in Malaysia, where millions work in various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and household services. Rights advocates have called for stronger protections and enforcement mechanisms to prevent such abuses.