Disease, despair, tarnished image - Trafficking shadows Malaysia's future

SHAH ALAM - The spectre of human trafficking looms large over Malaysia, posing a serious threat not just to its social fabric but also to its economic and political stability.

Economist Muhamad Zharif Luqman Hashim of the Future Labor Market Research Centre (EU-ERA) warns that if left unchecked, this pernicious crime could erode foreign investor confidence, tarnish the country's image, and trigger a cascade of negative consequences.

"Human trafficking will reduce the productivity and quality of the country's workforce because the victims of human trafficking are usually exploited and not given proper education or training.

"This crime will also create serious social problems such as poverty, crime, diseases, and human rights violations," he told Sinar when contacted.

Recently, there have been frequent reports of foreign nationals becoming victims of human trafficking in the country.

In the latest case on Monday, 21 Bangladeshi men suspected of being victims of human trafficking in Klang, Selangor, were rescued by the Immigration Department.

Commenting further, Zharif explained that victims of human trafficking also often experience discrimination, isolation, loss of identity, and profound psychological trauma.

He pointed out that it would also threaten the safety and well-being of Malaysians as it could spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and others.

From a political standpoint, he stressed that human trafficking would affect Malaysia's reputation and credibility globally as a country committed to combating the issue.

"Malaysia may face pressure and criticism from the international community, especially from developed countries that have stricter laws and mechanisms to eradicate human trafficking.

"Malaysia may also lose support and cooperation from neighbouring countries and strategic partners in efforts to address this issue comprehensively and effectively," he said.

Zharif added that based on the US Department of State's 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report on Malaysia, the country's status has risen to Tier 2 Watch List from Tier 3, indicating that the Malaysian government has not fully met the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.

However, he noted that with ongoing cases of human trafficking, there is a possibility that Malaysia's status in the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report may decline from Tier 2 Watch List back to Tier 3.