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Friday 3 July 2009

M'sia serious about beating human trafficking

The Sun
Charles Ramendran

KUALA LUMPUR (July 2, 2009): The Home Ministry said Malaysia had taken issues related to human trafficking seriously even before implementing the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2008.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said prior to the enactment of the new law two years ago, the authorities used other existing and preventive laws to prosecute perpetrators of the crime.

He said enactment of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2008 was proof of Malaysia's seriousness in tacking the issue of human trafficking.

He said the new law was more specific in addressing the issue and the clauses within it enables all relevant enforcement agencies to apply the law on offenders.

Abu Seman said Australia will work closely with Malaysia through joint enforcement efforts.

"There are things we can learn from Australia. They have had anti-human trafficking laws before we did," he said.

He said police and other enforcement agencies have tightened security at entry points in the country and will be stricter following alerts of Malaysia being used as a transit point especially for foreigners attempting to gain entry into Australia illegally.

The United States put Malaysia back on its blacklist this year for human trafficking with 17 other countries.

Abu Seman was speaking at a press conference today after launching a two-day seminar called National Security Policing in a Modern Society - Issues and Challenges at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Seri Kembangan.

Also present at the seminar for the police, military and other enforcement agencies was Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

Abu Seman said the seminar was to enrich personnel at enforcement agencies with knowledge and information on current pressing issues and to enhance ties among security forces.

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