829 human trafficking victims rescued

A total of 829 individuals, believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by the police and given the Interim Protection Order (IPO) following 190 raids conducted nationwide from January last year to May this year.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said of the total, 74 individuals were given the Protection Order (PO) last year, while 65 people others obtained it in the first five months of this year.

“A total of 599 people were rescued as a result of 146 raids last year, while 230 others in 44 raids conducted from January to May this year.

“Some 243 people were arrested on suspicion of being involved in human trafficking cases last year, while another 110 were detained this year,” he told Bernama recently.

Abd Jalil said the police were serious in their efforts to combat human trafficking which has become a crossborder crime and a global issue.

“Among the efforts were working with nongovernmental organisations to disseminate information and create public awareness on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

“In addition, various programmes including courses, in-service training, seminars and workshops are conducted on a yearly basis internally or through collaboration with other agencies or organisations,” he said.