LETTERS: Research by the United Nations shows a rise in the use of new technology in human trafficking.
It is a major concern as criminals are now heading to social media platforms to find victims.
Traffickers have been found using online spaces, particularly in the dark web, to exchange illicit materials. They also have ways to conceal their presence and operations.
As technological advancements continue to change the world, the crimes that people may face are becoming worse, too.
Malaysia can look to legislation in the United States to tackle trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act was introduced to equip the US government with "new tools and resources to mount a comprehensive and coordinated campaign to eliminate human trafficking", according to the Department of Justice.
The act also improves victims' access to social support, increases penalties for human traffickers and revolutionises prosecutorial and legal operations to eradicate institutional weaknesses or policy gaps that allow for trafficking.
The act also ensures the safe repatriation of foreign nationals who fall victim to trafficking.
Malaysia should take inspiration from this act and include provisions on the exploitation of online spaces in human trafficking.
Comprehensive legislation can rectify legislative inadequacies and help the authorities better manage the threat of evolving human trafficking operations.
This can elevate Malaysia's position in anti-human trafficking practices, potentially inspiring other Asean nations to follow suit.
PRAVIN PERIASAMY
Networking and partnership director, Malaysian Philosophy Society
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times