M'sia remains a hotbed for human trafficking, warns watchdog

SHAH ALAM -A watchdog says Malaysia remains a hotbed for human trafficking while decision-makers ignore systematic weaknesses resulting in victims failing to seek justice.

Tenaganita said they have experienced inconsistencies while seeking legal redress for trafficking victims with most perpetrators not being held fully accountable.

"There is an uneven application of basic investigative and prosecutorial skills across enforcement agencies and the AGC ( Attorney-General Chambers).

"In fact, we have constant fear that if a case is exposed, the victim will end up in detention," it said in a statement.

Malaysia remains in the third rank in the United States (US) State Department Trafficking in Persons report this year.

It said victims are further penalised by sending them to detention centres once their Interim Protection Order (IPO) is revoked.

"There is no justice for victims, despite having modern-day slavery indicators there seem to be no safe space for them to pursue their case further.

"Victims of human trafficking and forced labour should have the right to stay in a safe place with the ability to claim for their grievances," it stated.

Commenting further, Tenagita said it appreciates the government's effort in pushing for the recent amendments in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Act (ATISPOM) and establishing memorandum of understanding (MoU) to combat forced labour and human trafficking, however, more needs to be done.

"As such Tenaganita echoes the recommendations listed in the Trafficking in Persons report (TIP) report. There needs to be a consistency in the application of investigation and prosecution for human trafficking cases.

"Victim centered approaches across all enforcement agencies must be put into effect in the investigation and prosecution process," it said adding that experienced and trained officers on the ground should be placed to deal with the issues.

"It is time for Malaysia to not only acknowledge that human trafficking is a serious issue in Malaysia, but also to take proactive measures to eliminate all forms of trafficking in Malaysia with strong commitments of all stakeholders," Tenagita added.