They included 79 convictions for human trafficking, nine convictions for smuggling of migrants, including in Wang Kelian, and 12 convictions under the Immigration Act, the Penal Code and other related acts.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the increase in the success rate was the result of close cooperation and the continued commitment of the deputy public prosecutors, enforcement officers and officers who protect the human trafficking victims and members of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (Mapo).
“The number of investigation papers related to such cases also increased from 158 in 2015 to 326 in 2016, which marks a two-fold increase,” he said in a statement issued by the home ministry today.
The increase in investigations related to such cases reflects the commitment and close cooperation and enforcement of Mapo, which comprises the police, Immigration Department, Manpower Department, Customs and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, with the assistance of law enforcement bodies like the courts and the attorney-general’s office, he said.
Zahid, in the statement, said 18 individuals/employers were charged under the Passport Act 1966 for withholding passports of their employees, which provides for a maximum fine of RM10,000, or a jail term of up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.
“During the same period, 42 civil servants from enforcement agencies were detained, investigated and necessary action taken for their involvement in activities related to human trafficking and smuggling in migrants.”
Zahid said 1,130 victims who were believed to have been exploited by their employers were given protection through placements at shelter homes throughout the country until December last year, and that a majority of them were women.
He said last year, 16 human trafficking victims were granted permission to move freely and 10 allowed to work in Malaysia before returning to their own country.
“The government, through Mapo, is always committed to combating crimes related to human trafficking. I urge all stakeholders to play a significant role by channelling information to the enforcement agencies,” he said.