"No comprehensive law exists in Malaysia that penalizes the range of offenses
involved in (human) trafficking," the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia said
in its annual report released this week. The group advises the government on
rights issues.
Activists have said syndicates smuggle in women and girls to work in Malaysian
brothels and bars from places such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia,
Russia, Ukraine, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Taiwan and Myanmar.
Human trafficking is a lucrative business in Southeast Asia, where poverty and
armed conflicts have led some women to flee their homelands.
Desperation drives some into sex work or sweatshops.
Malaysia's rights panel said laws often penalize trafficking victims, mainly
because they are considered illegal immigrants.
The report said there are not enough legal provisions against traffickers,
against those who employ the women, or against men who obtain their sexual
services.
"The commitment to combat trafficking must come from the highest level of
government," the commission said. "Law enforcement agencies should play a key
role in shutting down trafficking syndicates and acting to prosecute, convict
and punish traffickers."
It said Malaysia should establish a regional center to coordinate cooperation
on the issue with other countries, and should sign agreements with nations such
as Thailand to reduce the flow of trafficked women.
Trafficking victims should also be returned to their home countries safely
under voluntary repatriation programs, instead of being deported or jailed, the
report said.
