A total of 136 people, including eight Malaysians, were rescued in 53 human trafficking cases from January to August this year.

Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam said the victims - 71 men, 40 women, 15 girls and 10 boys - were sheltered nationwide.

The highest number of victims rescued were Burmese (41) followed by Pakistanis (31), Indonesians (27), Indians (10), Malaysians (eight), Filipinos (four), Thais (three), Vietnamese and Cambodians (two each) and Chinese (one), he said in a statement.

The statistics were tabled at an Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council meeting chaired by Mahmood yesterday.

He said the arrests were made by the police, Immigration Department and Labour Department.

Malaysians formed the highest number of alleged traffickers arrested at 55 followed by Burmese (five), Indonesians (four), Chinese (two), and Thai and Indian (one each).

Of the 53 cases, 24 were sexual exploitation cases, forced labour (19), baby for sale racket (seven) and visa exploitations (three).

- Bernama