DPM: We will work with US

MALAYSIA is ready to work with the United States in combating human trafficking.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday the country was set to collaborate with the US in capacity-building programmes touching on prosecution and conviction, as well as identifying individuals who had the potential to become victims of labour exploitation.

He said this in a statement after receiving a courtesy call from US Ambassador-at-large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Susan Coppedge.

The visit was a follow-up to the 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report issued by the US State Department on June 30, in which Malaysia remained on Tier 2 Watch List.

During the 30-minute meeting, Coppedge discussed the recommendation by the US State Department for Malaysia to improve its assessment level for next year’s report.

Zahid, who is also home minister, said efforts had been taken by the country to combat human trafficking without compromising the welfare of trafficking victims, in line with international practices.

He said the efforts were not only based on the recommendations by the US State Department, but they also took into account the country’s obligations as a member of Asean, following the acceptance of the Asean Convention Against Combating Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, and the regional action plan on such crimes.

Zahid said the government’s initiatives needed support from various parties, including non-governmental organisations.

He said the amendments to domestic legislation concerning trafficking allowed the participation and involvement of NGOs, especially with regards to victim protection.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Welfare of victims not compromised, says Zahid