KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — The Home Ministry plans to open more safe houses for victims of human trafficking to strengthen Malaysia’s support system and reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking at the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDAT) event today, Saifuddin said the government recognised the urgent need for adequate shelters and comprehensive protection for victims rescued from trafficking networks.
“Among the issues raised was the need to build more shelters. There was one case where we managed to identify a suitable place through Mapo’s cooperation, but it did not materialise. We must ensure this doesn’t happen again,” he said, referring to the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Mapo).
He said the establishment of these safe houses must involve collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and international partners to ensure rescued victims — particularly women and children — receive holistic support, rehabilitation and reintegration assistance.
Currently, there are safe houses in every state except Sarawak.
Saifuddin also thanked local and international partners for their continued support, noting that Malaysia’s ability to maintain its Tier 2 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report reflected strong political will and inter-agency cooperation.
He said ongoing investigations into the recent maritime tragedy off Thai waters — which claimed several lives believed to be victims of human trafficking — served as a grim reminder of the challenges still faced.
“Our maritime officers are still searching for survivors. So far, 13 have been rescued, including women and children. This tragedy reflects how dangerous these illegal crossings can be, and why our fight against trafficking must continue,” he said.
Saifuddin added that Malaysia’s National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking would continue to be refined and implemented as a sustained effort, not a one-off campaign.
“We must keep working together — government, NGOs and international partners. This is the best formula for effective results in combating human trafficking,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to Asean’s regional cooperation framework, pledging that the country would continue to champion anti-trafficking measures alongside socio-economic and human rights initiatives.
