Efforts to combat human trafficking pay off

KUCHING: Malaysia has successfully elevated its position to Tier 2 in the 2024 Annual Report of the US State Department on Trafficking in Persons (US TIP Report).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof credited this achievement to the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement and protect victims of human trafficking.

He said Malaysia was previously ranked in Tier 3 in 2021 and 2022 and then moved to Tier 2 Watchlist in 2023.

“This progress is the result of dedicated efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources, and various other agencies committed to combating human trafficking.

“However, our work is not done. This effort must continue, and it requires the support of all industry sectors to reach Tier 1,” he said when officiating at the Workers’ Exploitation Prevention Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here Sunday.

Fadillah officiates the Workers’ Exploitation Prevention Convention. (Photo: UKAS)

The TIP Report is the US government’s primary diplomatic tool for engaging with foreign governments on issues related to human trafficking, including forced labour and child exploitation.

According to Fadillah, in Peninsular Malaysia, there have been two reported cases of forced labour from January to July 2024.

Throughout 2023, 12 cases were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, along with one case in Sarawak. In 2022, 16 cases were reported, with 15 in Peninsular Malaysia and one in Sabah.

Fadillah also urged employers, employment agents, individuals, and organisations to avoid actions that violate basic human and labour rights.

He said employers should maintain constant communication with the state Department of Labour to understand and prevent potential violations of workers’ rights, whether intentional or not.

“Sometimes we may not realise that by withholding their wages or passport, and restricting their freedom, we are infringing on their basic rights. These rights must be protected, whether they pertain to individuals or companies,” he explained.

He pointed out that there are numerous complaints particularly regarding unpaid wages and unremitted Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions.

“Our laws protect not only citizens but all individuals, as long as they are human beings. Whether they are citizens, foreigners, or migrants, we must safeguard their rights as human beings,” he added.

Also in attendance were Human Resource Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Sutekno Ahmad Belon, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik, Sarawak Labour Department Director Awang Raduan Awang Omar, and Deputy Director Mohd Nizar Zakaria.