Malaysia’s move to Tier 2 Watch List has positive impact on trade sector, says Fadillah

 

Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia’s improved position in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report counters negative perceptions related to the issue of forced labour in the country. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: Malaysia’s listing on the Tier 2 Watch List of the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2023 has a positive impact on the country’s trade sector and counters negative perceptions related to the issue of forced labour in the country.

Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said it reflected the cooperation and efforts of all parties in ensuring that Malaysia implements good practices to tackle issues of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, forced labour, and enforcement.

Following a dialogue session on energy use in the agricommodity sector here today, Fadillah, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said Malaysia is establishing cooperation and engagement sessions, especially with the US, to ensure that allegations regarding labour issues are resolved bilaterally.

Malaysia had been in the Tier 3 Watch List previously, with the assessment of the report covering aspects of prevention, prosecution and protection of workers in relation to labour matters.

On June 16, home affairs minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government would increase efforts in prosecuting and convicting civil servants found involved in human trafficking or forced labour activities, when he announced the 2023 TIP report.

He said the matter was a priority for the government as it was part of the 15 recommended improvements submitted in the TIP report. - FMT