Lombok workers ripped off

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Local workers returning from abroad are subject to extortion by thugs and corrupt officials, a press report said yesterday.

Many workers coming from Malaysia said they had a horrible experience on their arrival in Bali where thugs, bus drivers and port officials intimidated them to part with money, Antara reported.

"Nine workers returning from Malaysia were robbed of their money and belongings on their arrival in Bali," said Mahdin, one worker who tried to make his fortune in Malaysia.

He said he knew of bus drivers who collaborated with thugs and to extort money from returning workers. One worker lost almost Rp 1 million (US$425) and jewelry.

Mahdin said he was intimidated by an official at the Port of Padangbai. "I was forced to give him Rp 50,000 and could not say no because he threatened to detain me on charges of working illegally in Malaysia." (pan)