This is because Malaysia is not the “exporter” in the issue of human trafficking, just the recipient of the problem, he said.
“There are some countries where this problem originates from, but are placed in Tier 1 and Tier 2, without the ‘watch list’ label,” the Bagan Datuk MP told the Dewan Rakyat today.
“So I hope those who did this report can see that the country (Malaysia) that is the recipient of this problem should not be on the watch list.
“We are not the exporter, we are the receiver.”
The report, issued by the US State Department in Washington last June, assessed 188 countries, including Malaysia, in terms of prevention, prosecution and protection against trafficking.
The US said while Malaysia did not fully meet minimum standards to eliminate trafficking, it was making significant efforts to do so, citing a proposed strengthening of anti-trafficking laws and a rise of more than double in trafficking investigations.
Still, Malaysian trafficking convictions declined in the 12 months to March last year, falling from nine to three in the period covered according to the report.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the government has increased its efforts to combat human trafficking and protect the victims here in the country.
“Malaysia aims to be at a higher position (in the report) this year. Our conviction rate has also increased, recorded at 100 convictions last year.
“So I hope our ambassador in Washington will engage with the US State Department to make sure we’re at a better position due to our efforts to take serious actions against human trafficking,” he said.