In 2022, the US Department of State said that Malaysia is at the lowest level, Tier 3, in their human trafficking report. They mentioned that the Malaysian government isn’t meeting the minimum standards for fighting trafficking and isn’t making much effort.
The Home Ministry welcomes the country’s upgrade to Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US State Department.
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Malaysia has made improvements in the government’s response to human trafficking
This shift from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 3 shows Malaysia’s improvements and efforts to enhance its response to human trafficking.
Based on the report, Malaysia has made progress with more trafficking investigations, more convictions with tough sentences, better public awareness campaigns about trafficking, and going after officials involved in it.
The government was said to have caught more labour traffickers than last year. Now, there are more prosecutors who specialise in trafficking, and they’ve boosted funding for victim shelters and the anti-trafficking council.
Malaysia has also issued more freedom of movement passes for victims staying in shelters run by government and non-governmental organisations.
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Victims still had to get involved be recognised and receive protective orders
However, the government didn’t meet basic standards as Malaysia acknowledged fewer victims confirmed of trafficking, even though more potential victims were identified.
Victims still had to provide statements and participate in investigations and legal proceedings to be officially recognised and receive protective orders and specialised support services.
Malaysia also prosecuted fewer traffickers and ignored labour trafficking in industries such as oil palm and disposable glove manufacturing, despite ongoing reports of trafficking in these areas.
Aside from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Timor Leste were also classified in Tier 2 in this year’s report.
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We’ve made good strides in fighting human trafficking, but there’s still a lot more we can do. Here’s hoping for more positive updates ahead!
Also read: U.S. Human Trafficking Report Downgrades M’sia To Lowest Tier
