Malaysia hits out against organ-trafficking claims

Hishammuddin Hussein: Malaysian Home Minister. (Courtesy of The Star)

(Jakarta Post) – An autopsy carried out in West Nusa Tenggara revealed that their eyes, brains, hearts and kidneys had been removed from their bodies.

Malaysia is fiercely denying claims that three Indonesian migrant workers who were shot dead are victims of organ trafficking, saying the accusation has “tainted the country’s image.”

“I am denying this allegation and asking for all individuals to be patient as the investigation is still ongoing,” Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Friday, as quoted by Antara news agency. “I have nothing to cover up in relation to the inquiry because that is not Malaysia’s way. Please be patient.”

He said that an Indonesian delegation has met Malaysia’s National Police chief Insp. Gen. Ismail Omar to discuss the case.

Separately, Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI) justice and protection director Sr. Comr. Bambang Purwanto claimed at least five Malaysian police officers shot the migrant workers on March 24, based on his findings so far.

They provoked police officers — with what local police said machetes — after they were caught red-handed during a robbery, it has been alleged.

The West Nusa Tenggara migrant workers, identified as Herman, Abdul Kadir Jaelani and Mad Noon, were shot dead in Prot Dickson, Malaysia, and allegedly had their organs harvested soon after.

An autopsy carried out in West Nusa Tenggara revealed that their eyes, brains, hearts and kidneys had been removed from their bodies.

Herman, 34, Abdul, 25, and Mad, 28, went to Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, in mid-2010 to work on a palm plantation. (asa/mtq)