Das, in a statement, said the problem would persist so long as there were people in the federal and state governments, businesses and industries who put profit above people, alongside other factors such as a lack of political will to collectively, systematically and holistically combat modern day slavery and human trafficking.
“The legal framework and policies for migrant workers continue to place them in highly exploitative conditions that result in human trafficking,” she said, adding that the rights of victims and survivors of human trafficking were still not being recognised.
Das said the lack of a comprehensive policy for the recruitment, placement and employment of migrants, together with the non-recognition of refugees, had created an opportunity for corrupt authorities and human traffickers to make money.
She added that this had also led to employers using any and every means to hire undocumented migrants and refugees.
“Therefore, business industries must also be held accountable for the purchasing of human beings as commodities for the means of making profit.”
She said as a destination and host country to millions of migrants and refugees, Malaysia must act responsibly and draft clear policies and monitoring mechanisms with transparency and accountability.
“Therefore, we would like to remind the Home Ministry, especially the Home Minister, to begin the change in our backyard and ensure that the root causes of human trafficking in the country are addressed.”
Yesterday, at the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (Bali Process), Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia had gone from being a transit point to a destination for human trafficking due to the many job opportunities available in the country.
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the government had taken immediate action to rectify the situation as it could lead to domestic crimes involving foreigners.
He also said the Malaysian government was committed to combating human trafficking.