PUTRAJAYA: The recent child abductions and entry of Bangladeshi nationals to work as forced labourers in this country may affect the 2025 Human Trafficking Report released by the US State Department.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, however, said the matter would be addressed based on recommendations Malaysia received in this year's report.
"There are eight positive aspects, seven negative ones and 16 focal points that the government needs to address, and all these we have summarised into three priorities concerning human trafficking in the country.
"Firstly, enhancing cooperation across all agencies. Secondly, intensifying efforts to identify and protect victims through collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"Thirdly, improving and strengthening prosecutions, particularly under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
"Therefore, we have taken into account all these issues (child abductions and Bangladeshi forced labour) in improving our position in the report," he said in a press conference during the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants appreciation ceremony, here.
Last month, Malaysia was upgraded to Tier 2 in the latest 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report issued by the US State Department.
Last year, Malaysia moved up from Tier 3 to the Tier 2 Watch List. Between 2018 and 2020, Malaysia was also on the Tier 2 Watch List.
Separately, when asked about the number of Malaysians who have fallen victim to human trafficking syndicates in Myanmar, Saifuddin urged NGOs with such information to disclose it to the authorities.
"We already have data, but if NGOs have new information, it can be cross-referenced with the existing data," he said.