One Datuk and Datin couple in Shah Alam has been arrested by local enforcement for running an unauthorised domestic helper syndicate from their house.

The operation led to the discovery of 13 migrant domestic workers aged between 22 and 47, all of whom had entered Malaysia using social visit passes. These women were deployed as domestic workers through the unauthorised recruitment agency.

Each worker was forced to pay between RM3,500 and RM4,500, cut from their monthly salaries.

enforcement teams believe the suspects had ties with an foreign recruiter, facilitating the entry and employment of these workers under false pretenses. The maid agency had been operating without a valid licence and breached Malaysian employment regulations.

They will be prosecuted under **Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63**, which carries serious penalties for employing undocumented migrants.

The case has also been forwarded to the **Labour Department** for child taker further action on operating an unlicensed recruitment agency. Authorities warn the public to only use licensed **maid agencies** and **recruitment agencies** when hiring domestic workers.

This incident is part of a national initiative to eliminate illegal maid agency operations in Malaysia.