Hotline set up in bid to tackle human trafficking

SHAH ALAM: The issue of human trafficking in the country is being tackled head-on with the launch of a National Anti-Trafficking hotline.

The initiative was mooted in conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons here yesterday. Victims of human trafficking, as well as the public, can now report suspected cases anonymously to the hotline at 03-8000 8000, seven days a week, from 7.30am to 9pm.

This is part of the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants’ efforts to reach out to as many victims as possible.

All human trafficking-related re­­ports will be forwarded to the police and other relevant authorities.

“Hotlines are a vital component of an effective anti-trafficking response in any country,” said Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim.

“By leveraging on new technologies that enable information sha­ring, and by incorporating new modes of communication, hotlines can reach more survivors, support a safe migration and offer better resources to vulnerable communities,” he added.

The hotline was launched at Advoc8Hack, a nationwide hacka­thon organised by anti-human trafficking NGO Project Liber8.

“This hotline is a useful tool for the people to lodge reports,” said Project Liber8 founder and president New Su Shern.