PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — Malaysia has been upgraded to Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the United States Department of State, marking significant progress from its previous Tier 2 Watchlist ranking in 2023. The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) welcomed this development, highlighting that Malaysia last achieved Tier 2 status in 2017. The ministry attributed this success to collaborative efforts among various stakeholders committed to combating human trafficking.
Key achievements included an increase in investigations, significant sentences for convictions, enhanced awareness programs, and the prosecution of complicit officials. Additionally, the government boosted its conviction rate of labor traffickers, increased funding for victim shelters, and provided more freedom of movement passes for victims. The report also outlines 16 recommendations for further improvement, emphasizing victim-centered services and stronger inter-agency cooperation to continue advancing Malaysia’s anti-trafficking efforts.
