The Silent Threat: Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Procedures Through the Eyes of the Courts in Malaysia

Abstract

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are two severe international crimes. It is a worldwide problem, and it is particularly pernicious. There are many parts to human trafficking, including forced labour, commercial sex, and organ harvesting. Human traffickers are known to use violent, manipulative, and deceptive methods and tactics to lure vulnerable targets into situations of exploitation. In Malaysia, it is estimated that millions of men, women, and children worldwide are victims of these crimes. The international community has adopted the protocols and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in assisting member states to combat these internationally organised crimes. However, there are inadequate laws, both substantive and procedural, in place to deal with those who perpetrate such crimes, to bring them to account for their misdeeds, and to protect the victims of such crimes where such crimes continue to flourish because of the high profits.