How Cartels Shape the Migrant Labour System in Malaysia episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 48 MIN

How Cartels Shape the Migrant Labour System in Malaysia

from Beyond the Ballot Box · host BFM Media

Recently, Bloomberg published an in-depth investigation into the recruitment of Bangladeshi migrant workers into Malaysia, exposing how inflated fees, cartel-like recruitment structures and political protection have trapped thousands of workers in debt, exploitation and, in some cases, human trafficking. The article explicitly names individuals linked to these cartels. We speak to Charles Santiago, co-chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), who was quoted in the article. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How Cartels Shape the Migrant Labour System in Malaysia

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This episode was published on January 29, 2026.

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Recently, Bloomberg published an in-depth investigation into the recruitment of Bangladeshi migrant workers into Malaysia, exposing how inflated fees, cartel-like recruitment structures and political protection have trapped thousands of workers in...

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