PUTRAJAYA: Efforts are being made to improve Malaysia's Tier 3 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report this year.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said such has been the government's priority to ensure human trafficking issues were addressed.
He said being in Tier 3 has placed Malaysia at a disadvantage position.
Saifuddin said that a team, led by Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Control) Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, has been tasked to look into the matter.
"A visit was also done end of last year and we will continue to engage with the US Embassy.
"We are also looking at best practices (in terms of dealing with human trafficking issues) around the world.
"This Tier 3 ranking has placed us at a disadvantage, with possible sanctions being imposed on our products," he said during a media engagement programme today.
Also present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
On another matter, Saifuddin also said the ministry was in the process of releasing children placed at immigration detention centres.
This was following a statement by Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on the welfare of 36 children who were housed at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot.
They were part of the 67 Indonesian migrants rounded up by the Immigration Department during a raid at an illegal settlement in Nilai Spring on Feb 1.
"We will connect the children with a non-governmental organisation to ensure their welfare.
"As for the numbers, I will announce it soon," he added.