KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is back on the Tier 2 Watch List in the latest Human Trafficking Report 2023 issued by the US State Department.
The move from Tier 3 to the Tier 2 Watch List in the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report indicate that the country has made efforts to combat human trafficking despite not meeting the US minimum standards.
Malaysia fell to Tier 3 in 2021 and 2022, joining several other countries on the watch list including Mozambique, Egypt, Iraq, Eswatini, Brunei and Vietnam.
According to the newly released report, Malaysia made significant milestones including conducting more investigations, prosecutions and convictions of traffickers and officials involved.
The report also mentioned that the government also identified more victims; initiated efforts and provided funding to raise awareness of human trafficking in palm oil plantations; and increased training.
"It includes using approaches to understanding trauma, victim identification, and amendments to anti-trafficking laws - for officials, law enforcement and service providers for victims.
According to the report, the government facilitates greater freedom of movement for victims receiving services at government facilities, permits more victims to work, and increases funding for victim shelters.
However, the report added that government agencies did not meet minimum standards when they failed to prosecute labour traffickers in the palm oil and disposable glove manufacturing industry.
The report also criticised Malaysia for proactively identifying victims, including victims of forced labour, during enforcement raids, which led to the arrest and deportation of unidentified trafficking victims.
"Delays in prosecution, insufficient inter-agency coordination, and inadequate services for victims discourage foreign national victims from remaining in Malaysia to participate in criminal proceedings and continue to hinder the success of anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts."
Countries listed as Tier 3 may face aid restrictions, economic sanctions or not receive trade benefits from the US.