KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The establishment of the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) is expected to be crucial to elevate the country to Tier 1 in the United States’ Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report next year.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said enhancing inter-agency cooperation through the formation of the MCBA is one of three key points planned by his ministry to attain the status.
“In our efforts to achieve Tier 1 status, the Home Affairs Ministry is increasing inter-agency collaboration, including with Global Shepherds and Tenaganita Sdn Bhd, as not all ministries and agencies can handle this, and non-governmental organisations can play a significant role here.
“We are also fostering close cooperation with human rights institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and internationally through The Bali Process, which further strengthens inter-agency collaboration — a critical measure for positioning the country more favourably.
“The establishment of the MCBA, announced on May 1 by the Prime Minister, also has a significant impact in realising Malaysia’s target,” he said while clarifying the report in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Saifuddin Nasution said the other two key points are to intensify efforts to identify and protect all trafficking victims, and improve the prosecution process.
He said there are national guidelines for trafficking indicators and several capacity-building initiatives for enforcement agencies to ensure Malaysia is perceived as committed to tackling human trafficking issues.
“We aim to enhance the quality of investigations to ensure they can lead to charges and subsequent convictions,” he said.
In June, Malaysia was upgraded to Tier 2 in the United States’ 2024 TIP Report.
— Bernama
