KOTA TINGGI, Dec. 31 -- Despite being forcefully held against his will by a scam syndicate in Myanmar for more than a year, a 26-year-old man counts his blessings as he was rescued by authorities earlier this month.

"It never occurred to me that we would be rescued. My freedom and being back in Malaysia is the best New Year gift for me and my parents.

"What was to be a three to four day trip for my business venture last year, turned into a nightmare after I was duped, abducted, abused and forced into working for a scam syndicate in Myanmar for almost a year.

"I was forcefully made to scam other victims in a shop house located in the Myanmar town of Myawaddy that borders Thailand, before I was rescued by authorities in late December," s...