KUALA LUMPUR: The improved standing in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report serves as a catalyst for the country to be more strategic and decisive when dealing with the issue, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
The Malaysian ambassador to the United States said the “promotion” of Malaysia to Tier 2 Watch List was a move by the US government to improve bilateral ties between the two nations.
“This reflects the openness of both countries to discuss, understand and cooperate in adding value to the Malaysia-United States ‘comprehensive partnership’. I believe this is a constructive step by the US government in improving cooperation with Malaysia,” he said in a statement reported by Bernama.
Nazri said the embassy was prepared to support the government’s initiatives through the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Anti-Smuggling Council (MAPO).
The US State Department’s annual TIP Report 2023 showed that Malaysia is now back on the Tier 2 Watch List, where it had been placed from 2018 to 2020.
The Tier 2 Watch List refers to countries whose governments have not fully adhered to the minimum standards but are making significant efforts to comply with these standards.
Malaysia was in Tier 3 – the lowest tier – in 2021 and 2022, which refers to governments that do not fully comply with the minimum standards.
Countries placed in Tier 3 can be penalised with sanctions and limited access to the United States.
Commenting on the same issue, MCA said the government should continue to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen efforts in tackling human trafficking, including overseas job scams.
The party’s International Communication and Diplomacy Bureau deputy chairman Neo Choo Seong said Malaysia has shown significant effort in dealing with crime including greater enforcement and implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.
“MCA congratulates the Home Ministry, the police, the Immigration Department and other agencies on this development,” he said in a statement.
Neo said there were still many Malaysians who fell victim to and remain trapped in overseas job scams despite repeated warnings and awareness programmes.
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Thief founder Dave Avran said despite an increase in human trafficking cases each year, there was still a lack of awareness among the public on the gravity of human trafficking.
“Anyone can be a victim of forced labour or sex trafficking. It can happen to both men and women regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status or socioeconomic class.”
“Better enforcement and collaboration with foreign agencies are needed to effectively tackle this issue and it also requires an all-of-society approach,” he said.
