Kuching: Malaysians need to exercise extreme caution when travelling abroad, especially when trips are arranged informally or when details of travel arrangements are vague.
DAP Sarawak Assistant Publicity Secretary Michael Kong Feng Nian said this following the case of a Malaysian man reportedly detained in Taiwan under unclear circumstances.
“Always verify beforehand and ensure that family members are fully informed of travel plans,” Kong said.
Explaining the case, Kong said Mr Lai has been working at an oil palm plantation for the past couple of years.
“On 4 December 2025, he left Kuching and informed his wife that he would be travelling to Taiwan with a friend known to him as “Ah Huat”.
“Upon his arrival, Mr Lai did contact his wife and assured her that he was safe. He also told her that he would be returning to Malaysia by 28 December 2025,” he said.
Kong said, however, on 15 December 2025, Mr Lai called his wife again to say that he was facing some difficulties in Taiwan but did not elaborate further.
“From that point onwards, all communication ceased, and his wife has been unable to reach him despite repeated attempts.
“It was only around 24 December 2025 that the family received troubling information through an acquaintance of Mr Lai’s brother,” he said.
He added that they were told that Mr Lai was being held at the Taichung Detention Centre, on suspicion of involvement in a scam operation.
“Unfortunately, no further details were available, and the family has since been left completely in the dark as to Mr Lai’s exact situation.
“Understandably, his wife and family are deeply distressed. They approached me for assistance, as they have exhausted all avenues on their own in finding answers regarding Mr Lai’s current situation,” he said.
Kong, who is also Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said that as such, he will be assisting the family to seek the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assistance to liaise with their counterparts in Taiwan to ascertain Mr Lai’s status and ensure that his rights and welfare are properly safeguarded.
“It is my sincere hope that the authorities will act swiftly to assist Mr Lai’s family.
“At the same time, this case serves as a serious warning and timely reminder to all Malaysians to remain vigilant and prudent in an increasingly dangerous landscape of cross-border scams and exploitation,” he said.
He emphasised that in recent years, we have seen a worrying rise in cases where Malaysians are lured overseas with promises of work or travel, only to find themselves trapped or even forced into illegal activities such as scam operations.
