KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is set to meet with the US ambassador on Thursday (June 15) to address Malaysia’s ranking in Washington’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the upcoming year, the Parliament heard.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail outlined four measures that had been taken by Malaysia in order to improve its TIP ranking.
"With these four measures, I am confident that it will improve Malaysia's position," he said in his winding-up speech for the Suhakam 2020 Annual Report in the Dewan Rakyat.
These measures include stricter enforcement and prosecution of individuals accused or convicted of human trafficking, which the ministry considers a crucial benchmark, he said.
Aside from that, trafficking victims would be provided with protection and support to enable them to work and move freely, he added.
He added that the government would also implement preventive strategies such as engaging in public awareness programmes and outreach initiatives.
The Home Ministry would also enhance cooperation with various agencies and NGOs, both locally and internationally to fight human trafficking.
In Feb, Saifuddin said moving out of Tier 3 — the lowest — was important for Malaysia as the country was at risk of possible sanctions being imposed on local products.
Malaysia was in Tier 2 of the US TIP Report 2017, Tier 2-Watch List from 2018 to 2020, and Tier 3 in 2021 and 2022.
