The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today asked the government to step up its anti-human trafficking and smuggling of migrants efforts following the United States Department of State’s 2014 trafficking report, in which Malaysia was downgraded to the Tier 3 watch list.

 

“Of particular concern are the State Department’s findings that Malaysia’s efforts in combating human trafficking in the three main aspects - namely prosecution, protection and prevention are not sufficient or satisfactory,” Suhakam’s acting chairperson Dr Khaw Lake Tee ( right ) said in a statement today.

 

The commission noted that Malaysia has been downgraded in the watch list even though two consecutive “waivers” were granted to it in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

 

It asked the government, among others, to set up a dedicated court to fast track trafficking and migrant smuggling cases, and to strengthen its mechanisms to prosecute offenders and start protecting its victims.

 

The commission warned of an “adverse impact” of the downgrading to the country’s human rights record and economic development.

 

“Suhakam urges the government to ensure full protection and assistance for trafficked and smuggled persons at all stages,” the statement further said.