The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has called on the Malaysian government to step up its efforts in combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

Malaysia was relegated to Tier 3, the lowest ranking, in an annual human trafficking report published by the United States.

‘SUHAKAM notes with serious concern the U.S. Department of State’s 2014 Trafficking in Persons (TiP) report that Malaysia has been downgraded to Tier 3 Watch List for failing to fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) 2000.

“This is despite two consecutive waivers granted to it in 2012 and 2013 respectively,” its acting chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said in a statement today.

The report found Malaysia’s efforts in combating three main aspects of human trafficking, namely prosecution, protection and prevention, to be unsatisfactory.

SUHAKAM urged the government to give due consideration to the commission’s recommendations including strengthening its mechanisms in prosecuting offenders and protecting victims.

It also called on the government to work closely civil society groups, diplomatic missions and relevant stakeholders.

“NGOs are provided an avenue to offer expertise to the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO), since many victims are more inclined to approach members of civil society for assistance.

Suhakam recommended authorities to consider setting up a dedicated court to expedite the resolution of cases pertaining to people smuggling, with victims being informed of the status of their case.

“We also want the authorities to ensure that all victims are given an immediate health check upon arrival at a shelter, as well as receive regular visits by medical personnel.”

Malaysia was automatically downgraded to Tier 3 in the TiP report, after four consecutive years of barely holding on to the Tier 2 category, for its failure to adhere to the basic requirements in combating human trafficking.

The US department noted in the report that there was ample evidence of forced labour and sex trafficking in Malaysia, which was a “destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking.”

Only three other countries were downgraded this year - Thailand, Venezuela and the Gambia.
A downgrade could result in economic sanctions and loss of development aid for the country.