The government wants to review the border security agreements signed with neigbouring countries, particularly Thailand, following the uncovering of human trafficking activities in Wang Kelian, Perlis,
recently.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Malaysia-Thailand General Border Committee Meeting, for example, must be reviewed to boost security measures at the border areas between both countries.
"The review must be prioritised because the transit camps (for human trafficking victims) at the border (Wang Kelian) could not be reached and located by the Malaysian authorities.
"This is due to the steepness and inaccessibility of the area from the Malaysian side of the border. On the other hand, it is closer to and accessible via Thailand," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here, on Monday.
However, he said, the government thanked the Thai authorities which had extended their cooperation over the matter.
Ahmad Zahid said the government would also review the role of the Anti-Smuggling Unit comprising the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Customs Department and Immigration Department.
He said the proposal paper on the matter was being prepared by his ministry and would be submitted to the Cabinet soon.
On another development, he said the government was also cooperating with the Bangladeshi and Myanmar governments to extradite Malaysians involved in human trafficking who were hiding there, to be tried in this country.
"Arrests of Malaysians have been made, and Thailand have also arrested their citizens. We will charge them in court," he said.
On the remains of 106 human trafficking victims sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Kedah for autopsy, he said the forensic examinations found four major causes of deaths, namely diseases, hunger, torture and probably, murder.
"The first we found was a human skeleton in a cage which was left there until it dried out. This was among the elements of torture identified," he said.
In May, the nation was shocked with the findings by the authorities of 139 graves at 28 transit camps which were built by human trafficking syndicates along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Wang Kelian.
Bernama
Tue Jun 23 2015
Ahmad Zahid said the government would also review the role of the Anti-Smuggling Unit comprising the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Customs Department and Immigration Department.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.