Vietnam verifying identities of citizens forced into prostitution in Malaysia

By Nguyen Tien, Pham Giang October 31, 2024 | 04:09 pm PT

Seven Vietnamese citizens forced into prostitution were rescued by Malaysian authorities, Oct. 23, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Malaysian Immigration Department

Vietnam is cooperating with Malaysia to perform procedures, including identity verification to protect seven Vietnamese citizens who were forced into prostitution in Malaysia.

"Vietnam is cooperating with local authorities to do relevant work, including verifying the identities of Vietnamese citizens so there can be necessary protection measures," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said at a Thursday press meet.

He was responding to an inquiry regarding Malaysia informing about the rescue of seven Vietnamese citizens from prostitution facilities.

Viet said Vietnamese looking to work abroad must do so through reputable companies in Vietnam.

The Malaysian Immigration Department on Oct. 23 said authorities in the country have busted human trafficking and prostitution rings during a raid in Klang two days prior.

Seven Vietnamese women, aged 32-45, were rescued.

The women were kept confined inside the facilities and forced to serve customers.

They all came to Malaysia as tourists, but were forced into prostitution, the department said, adding that a Bangladesh manager guards the women and the facility 24/24.