US trafficking report: Home Ministry outlines 3 key areas to reach Tier 1

The Home Ministry is committed to elevating the country’s ranking to Tier 1 in the United States Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report, including through improvements in the legal sector.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said two other key areas, capacity building and inter-agency cooperation, have also been identified towards achieving this goal.

Welcoming Malaysia's progress to Tier 2 after being on the watchlist last year, he acknowledged that the report still identified several areas needing full compliance.

“This commitment aims to generate significant initiatives grounded in legal principles, enforcement, protection and prevention across stakeholder functions, enhancing efforts to combat human trafficking in Malaysia,” he said.

Saifuddin was speaking at a press conference after officiating at the 40th annual general meeting of the Retired Senior Police Officers’ Association (Respa) in Kuala Lumpur today, which Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and Respa president Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin also attended.

Malaysia's latest position at Tier 2 in the report was announced in Washington yesterday.

Saifuddin said achieving Tier 1 status would bring numerous benefits, including alleviating concerns about potential export restrictions.

Earlier, Saifuddin announced an RM60,000 grant to support Respa's programmes.

“We prioritise the welfare of all members as a sign of appreciation for Respa's excellent work. One of the most impactful activities is visiting ailing members, from all communities,” he said.

- Bernama

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