Malaysia retains Tier 2 ranking in US human trafficking report for third year

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has retained its Tier 2 ranking in the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States Department of State, marking the third consecutive year it has held the rating.

The Home Ministry said the ranking reflected continued international recognition of Malaysia's sustained efforts to combat human trafficking.

The report acknowledged the country's progress, including stronger law enforcement, prosecutions of public officials complicit in trafficking crimes and increased government funding for anti-trafficking operations.

Other measures included a significant increase in specialised officers, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, and amendments to two regulations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 to improve the duration of permissions granted under the law.

The ministry also cited related amendments concerning extended protection orders and the management of victims whose extended protection orders had expired, as well as the opening of new shelters operated by non-governmental organisations.

Enforcement capacity in Sabah and Sarawak had also been strengthened, with operations targeting high-risk sectors such as oil palm plantations and rubber glove manufacturing, it said in a statement today.

Malaysia retained its Tier 2 ranking in the 2025 report after receiving the same rating in 2024.

In 2023, the country was placed on the Tier 2 Watch List. Its previous Tier 2 rating was in 2017.