Zahid: We’ll work with US on human trafficking

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is ready to cooperate with the United States to curb human trafficking in the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the two nations would work together on ways to improve the country’s prosecution aspects of trafficking in persons (TIP), including identifying potential individuals who are likely to be victims of labour exploitation and forced labour.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, said this in a statement following a courtesy call by the United States Ambassador at Large (Office to Monitor and Combat TIP) Susan Coppedge to discuss on the recently released 2016 US TIP Report by the US Department of State (JNAS).
“The efforts being taken by Malaysia to curb this crime is not only based on the suggestions provided by JNAS, but also take into account the country’s obligation as a member of Asean following the Asean Convention to Combat TIP, as well as the Regional Action Plan that was agreed to in November 2015.
“The government’s initiative also needs to get the full backing of other relevant parties, including NGOs.
“The recent amendment to our domestic law on this crime has opened up the space for NGOs to be involved, especially on the aspect of victim’s protection,” he added.
Malaysia maintained its position in the Tier 2 Watchlist in the 2016 US TIP Report that was released on June 30, which evaluated 188 countries on several aspects, including prevention, prosecution and protection.
Ahmad Zahid is also the country’s Anti-Human Trafficking Council (Mapo) High-Level Committee chairman.