[UPDATED] 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, with its last Tier 2 rating before 2024 in 2017.

The ministry said the 2026 report also outlined eight recommendations for Malaysia to implement during the next assessment period, from April 1 this year to March 31 next year.

Among the key recommendations were strengthening early victim identification mechanisms, improving the quality of case investigations, eliminating recruitment fees charged to workers and expanding strategic partnerships with NGOs.

In response, the government has outlined several strategies, including strengthening the integrity of public servants and establishing a victim management system in line with international standards.

The ministry said the government would also strengthen cooperation with civil society organisations and NGOs, while making greater use of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

The ministry added that the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO), which it leads alongside other government agencies, was committed to implementing coordinated measures to address emerging trends, including job scams.

Combating human trafficking requires close cooperation among various parties through a holistic approach centred on enforcement and legislation, victim protection and prevention, it said.

"The government is confident that this comprehensive approach would strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking, bring offenders to justice, uphold human rights and protect victims, while safeguarding public order and national security."