Govt launches integrated data system on human trafficking

An integrated data system was launched by the Home Ministry today to help provide a complete picture of existing human trafficking issues and future solutions.

The system was launched by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and was developed in-house by the ministry, under the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Mapo).

“By developing the system, our hope is to consolidate and integrate data from all our sources.

“With the consolidated data, we will have the opportunity to conduct an analysis and summary in the form of (new) policies,” he said.

The Mapo Integrated Data System was launched in conjunction with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30.

Mapo is a special body set up under the Home Ministry in 2007 to combat crimes related to the trafficking of persons and the smuggling of migrants in Malaysia.

In his speech at the launch event in Putrajaya, Saifuddin said consolidated data can provide a more accurate representation of challenges, and improve prevention efforts based on projected trends.

“The final result will be measured when we successfully combat the crime of human trafficking,” he said.

He also said there were ongoing efforts to increase the number of enforcement actions under the Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

Saifuddin also reiterated the government’s commitment to improve Malaysia’s rank to Tier 1 in the US government’s Trafficking in Persons Report.

“We have never reached Tier 1. But there is nothing wrong with setting the target because it is something realistic,” he said.

Migrant children homes

As the theme for this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons focuses on trafficked children, Saifuddin said there are ongoing efforts to increase the number of “Baitul Mahabbah” shelter homes.

These homes are temporary placement areas for children of migrants managed by the Immigration Department.

There are currently three homes in operation with assistance from NGOs, consisting of 170 children and their guardians, and Saifuddin said three more will be opened in Kedah, Kelantan, and Johor by this year.

He added the children were part of about 1,300 who were detained in 19 immigration depots nationwide and the government has set a goal to remove all children in custody to the shelter homes while they await deportation.

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