IT is not easy to measure up to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s standards.
Being a man on a mission to eradicate trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Malaysia, his expectation is a tall order. But, the home minister is a reasonable and pragmatic person, for he believes that all tasks and assignments are doable.
However, although Malaysia’s statistics in the war against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants last year are impressive compared with 2016 and 2015, Zahid is far from satisfied. He wants more results. He is pressing for more aggressive action to take this “war” to a new level.
Latest figures released by the National Strategic Office (NSO) of the Anti-trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) are remarkable. Malaysia has registered 100 convictions in human trafficking-related cases for 2016, compared with only seven in 2015. Of the 100, 79 were for trafficking in persons, nine for smuggling of migrants with elements of human trafficking, while 12 were for related cases. A total of 326 investigation papers have been opened in relation to the cases, with 414 charges filed in court and 679 arrests.
From January to December last year, there were 282 cases brought to court with regard to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, and of the figure, 58 convictions were recorded for trafficking in persons and 75 cases related to both offences, making a total of 133 cases so far.
The government has requested the Thailand government to extradite 10 suspects believed to be involved with trafficking-in-person offences along the common border. This case, involving Malaysians and foreigners, is being dealt with under laws of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, amended over the years to give more claw to enforcement agencies.
The bordering areas between Malaysia and Thailand, and that of Indonesia, are susceptible to these crimes. Victims of all gender and ages are illegally transferred across the border by external and internal syndicates.
It was a quantum leap of sorts for Kuala Lumpur’s drive against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in the number of cases brought by the enforcement agencies within 12 months, culminating in a series of convictions. The numbers have been impressive, and it goes to show that the ministry’s dedication and steadfastness in eradicating the often described as “lucrative trade” in this part of the world.
At a recent high-level Atipsom council meeting chaired by Zahid, he said: “Yes, we have done a lot in the last 12 months, but there is much more to be done because criminals never stop. When they do not stop, neither do we.
“Our elevation to Tier 2 by the United States Department of State is most welcomed and is a steadfast recognition of our continuous all-around efforts, but it does not stop or slow down our resolve. Instead, we are encouraged and determined to do better — perhaps now onto Tier 1.”
He said Kuala Lumpur aspired to be positioned in Tier 1 in the US Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report.
Prior to elevation, Malaysia’s position in the US TIP Report was average. In 2001, Malaysia was on Tier 3, but was elevated to Tier 2 a year later and remained there for the next three years. In 2006, Malaysia’s position descended to Tier 2 Watch List, until it was further relegated to Tier 3 in 2007. In 2008, it was back to Tier 2 Watch List, but went down again to Tier 3 in 2009. Between 2010 and 2013, Malaysia was back on Tier 2 Watch List, but descended to Tier 3 in 2014.
Kuala Lumpur’s successful climb to Tier 2 Watch List began in 2015 and 2016 until it was elevated to Tier 2 last year.
With Zahid’s unwavering commitment and intensified cooperation from Atipsom members, the recent elevation from Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2 is the best achievement since the amendment of the Atipsom Act 2007 in 2015. The ministry’s year-long commitment and resolve, and that of the years prior, is second to none, and the latest statistics underscore its undertakings. It is about time due recognition was given to Malaysia.
As Zahid said: “We are deeply serious in our commitment. We have never wavered, neither in format nor substance. Our statistics demonstrated our resolve.”
*Read part 2 here
Zukri Valenteno is a former journalist and press secretary. He is also head of corporate communications, Home Ministry.