Malaysia upgraded on human trafficking watchlist: from bad to less bad, but still bad

Malaysia, home of the best nasi lemak, and of dueling towers that have come to define us to a point that their non-existence would pummel the country into an existentialist crisis, has something new to be proud of. We’ve moved SLIGHTLY up on the United States list of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, from Tier 2 Watch List, to, well, still at Tier 2, but a slightly better Tier 2 because no “watch list.”

Confused? So are we, but I guess let’s celebrate with some fair-trade coffee.

In 2015 Malaysia found itself on the bottom of the list, and has been working their way up ever since. The report states that “the Government of Malaysia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.”

Some have criticized the move, saying Malaysia has done nothing to warrant the promotion, and that the upgrade was only made so the country could sign onto the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement with America. The United States imposes an automatic non-aid and non-trade policy with countries that languish in the bottom tier.

Malaysia has faced criticism that trafficking is increasing, with little being done to prevent it, and a continued lack of enforcement of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2015.

Specifically, the complicity of government officials and prosecution of traffickers was highlighted as still needing work.

It’s the small victories like going from bad, to slightly less bad, that count though. Cheers US State Department.



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