The federal government should reform laws that concern human trafficking and labour activities to accommodate modern forms of slavery and exploitation, a multi-party consultation meeting has recommended.

According to its main organiser, the Centre for Human Rights and Constitutionalism (MCCHR), the 30 experts involved had also agreed to propose that Putrajaya reduces asymmetry of power between employers and employees through amendments to the laws.

MCCHR chief human rights strategist Firdaus Husni said a reduction of the gap between the power held by employers and their workers can minimise the risks of exploitation against the workers.

These include addressing problems of employers withholding their employees' passports and the prevention of debt bondage on the workers, among others...