US upgrades Malaysia to Tier 2 in human trafficking report

MALAYSIA has been elevated to Tier 2 in the latest US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP 2024) report.

The country last achieved that tier in 2017 and had been on the “Tier 2 Watchlist” in 2023.

“This is a critical achievement and due to the concerted efforts of various shareholders,” the Home Ministry said in a statement.

It said the tier upgrade followed increased investigations, significant convictions, comprehensive awareness programmes, prosecution of public officials, more labour trafficking prosecutions, funding for shelters, and approval of free movement for trafficking victims.

The upgrade means Malaysia is placed among countries like Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Japan, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2024 report was launched by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington.

The TIP report also outlined 16 areas for improvement and action plans for the next evaluation period with an emphasis on providing unconditional victim-centred services.

“We will focus on three primary aims to guide Malaysia’s continued efforts; enhancing interagency cooperation, intensifying victim identification and protection, and improving the prosecution process.

“The Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (Mapo), led by the Home Ministry in collaboration with other government entities, is committed to these initiatives,” said the ministry. – June 25, 2024