147 human trafficking-related cases convicted in 2017

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 147 human trafficking related cases were convicted last year compared to 100 in 2016, said Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim (pix).
As such, he said the ministry agreed with the proposed establishment of the Anti-Trafficking Sessions Court in May to expedite case management.
"This is to ensure the welfare and human rights of trafficking victims are protected," he said in a statement issued after chairing the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (MAPO) meeting here today.
On Jan 12, Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif said a special court to handle human-trafficking cases and to be presided by a Sessions Court judge would be set up in Klang, Selangor this year before establishing it in phases in Johor, Malacca, Sabah and Penang.
Alwi said some 150 victims of human trafficking had begun receiving monthly incentives while 95 others were granted permission to move freely and work in Malaysia.
He said several initiatives had been drawn up to improve the permission to work programme for human trafficking victims through direct involvement of industry players and sealing of cooperation documents between the government and employers in various identified sectors.
"In the aspect of prevention, the engagement with resource countries, embassies and industries will continue to be enhanced in ensuring that the anti-trafficking elements are implemented at all levels throughout the supply chain," he said.
Alwi said Mapo members had also signed the Corruption-Free Pledge witnessed by a representative of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to show the country's commitment in combating corruption and abuse of power while conducting tasks to eliminate human trafficking. — Bernama