Higher Education Ministry determined to help victims of student trafficking


PETALING JAYA: The process of assisting victims of student trafficking will be difficult, but the Higher Education Ministry is determined to do it right.

R.AGE’s Student/Trafficked undercover documentary series has led to a public outcry on social media for action to be taken against colleges and “agents” involved in trafficking foreign students to Malaysia using student visas.

Ministry director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir (pic) said her team would investigate every single case that came to them.

“We have to look into it on a case-to-case basis. It’s a tedious process, but we’re willing to help. Our main priority is the interest of the students,” said Dr Siti Hamisah.

She said institutions found guilty of the offence could be fined up to RM50,000 and have their licence to bring in international students revoked.

“We have an internal process to justify the amount we’ll impose, which depends on the number of students involved.

“We’ll also get them to assist in repatriation, or pay for the students’ education in another college,” she added.

Victims who would like to report their cases and get assistance from the ministry can do so through R.AGE’s online reporting system at the Student/Trafficked website (rage.com.my/trafficked).

All cases will be forwarded to the ministry for investigation.

The campaign and reporting system has also received support from Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, who said his department would investigate the colleges and agents involved.

Dr Siti Hamisah will be discussing the campaign and answering questions from the public at 4pm today on The Couch, R.AGE’s weekly live talk show.

Representatives from NGOs Tenaganita and Migrant88 will also be on the show.

Go to facebook.com/thestarRAGE to take part in the live show and watch all Student/Trafficked videos released so far.

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Suzana Idayu Wati appointed Felda’s first female DG
Gagasan Rakyat forms consultative committee on seat allocation with GRS component parties
Mental state of Malaysian youth at moderate level, says Zahid
MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warning for 11 states
Trapped Sunda flying lemur freed from barbed wire fence in Melaka
Sabah Barisan, Pakatan begin discussions on electoral pact for state polls
Student gets stuck in chair at Tawau school, rescuers forced to use hydraulic cutter
Babysitter claims trial to child neglect charge
Four friends jailed three years for abducting 12-year-old girl
Johor first in country to offer starting salaries of RM4,000 to RM5,000, says TMJ

Others Also Read