Nation targets Tier 1 status in human trafficking report
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is confident of attaining Tier 1 status in the Trafficking in Persons Report 2020 of the United States Department of State, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this would be possible through the implementation of the National Action Plan on AntiTrafficking in Persons 2016-2020, which involves the cooperation of the various ministries, departments and agencies fighting the crime.
It was also achievable based on the commitment and collaboration of the machinery engaged in enforcement, legislation, protection and publicity over the next five years, he said.
“We will be able to fight this crime as well as enhance the image and integrity of the country and put Malaysia on the world stage along with the other Tier 1 countries, many of which are developed nations,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, spoke at the launch of the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons 2016-2020 here yesterday.
He said the plan was a continuation of the action plan launched on March 30, 2010.
Malaysia is currently on the Tier 2 Watch List in the Trafficking in Persons Report 2016. A Tier 1 ranking indicates that a government has acknowledged the existence of human trafficking and has made efforts to address the problem.
Ahmad Zahid said the action plan was the second phase of the 2010-2015 plan to ensure that Malaysia strived to achieve Tier 1.
“Although Malaysia strives hard to ensure that no trafficking in persons occurs in the country, international syndicates bring victims of human trafficking to the country,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the efforts of the Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department and other authorities should be seen
We will be able to fight this crime as well as enhance the image and integrity of the country and put Malaysia on the world stage along with the other Tier 1 countries, many of which are developed nations.
as proactive action by Malaysia which was committed to the international community in fighting the crime.
“However, when the goalposts are shifted, unfairness takes place whereby countries which are the cause of human trafficking occupy a better position than Malaysia. We are getting various ministries, department and agencies to be involved and have to prove how serious we are in the tasks that we undertake,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid expressed thanks to the NGOs that were helping and extending protection to the victims of human trafficking in the country.
On the 2016-2020 action plan, he said it was a comprehensive blueprint that would form the basis of better planned and sound enforcement.
He also said that the plan also took into account the legislative transformation in Malaysia that gave priority to the welfare and protection of the victims of human trafficking in accordance with international best practices.
“This plan will serve as a reference and basic guide for ministries and government agencies as well as NGOs involved in anti-human trafficking efforts in planning their strategies and enforcement initiatives,” he said.
In addition, it would also serve as a platform to raise public awareness to civil society, he said.
Also present at the event were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak; Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam; Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai; Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
Meanwhile, Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael D. Sueno called on Ahmad Zahid.
Ismail is in Malaysia to attend the International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy.
The two leaders discussed how to address matters of concern to Malaysia and the Philippines, among them security, abductions off Sabah, drug trafficking and terrorism. — Bernama
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister