National Anti-Trafficking Hotline launched to combat related crime

SUBANG JAYA: In an effort to spearhead the anti-human trafficking initiative, members of the public only have to dial 03-8000 8000 to lodge complaints or reports should they find information or activities related to the crime.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said hotlines such as this are a vital component to ensure an effective anti-trafficking response in the country.
"By leveraging on new technologies that enable information sharing, the hotline can reach out to more survivors, support safe migration, and offer better resources to vulnerable communities," he said after launching the National Anti-Trafficking Hotline at the Advoc8Hack event at the Digi headquarters, here today.
Alwi assured that members of the public will be able to tip off human trafficking activities anonymously to the launched hotline.
"We have a dedicated team of six officers that will operate from 7.30am to 9pm every day to take on these calls.
"Any calls after operating hours will be recorded and followed up by the officers immediately the next day," he said.
The number, under the 1Malaysia One Call Centre (1MOCC) initiative, makes it easier for the public to communicate with the various enforcement agencies such as the Immigration Department and police.
In addition, Alwi said several NGOs such as Tenaganita, Good Shepard, and National Council of Women's Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) have climbed on board this initiative as well.
The Advoc8Hack event which is line with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was organised by anti-human trafficking NGO Project Liber8 in collaboration with the Home Ministry, US Embassy, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (Magic) as their partners.
It saw a contest with over 120 individuals to develop an app which emphasises on combating human trafficking issues in the country.