KUALA NERUS (Aug 31): Police have initiated an investigation into allegations that a former deputy minister is involved in a human trafficking syndicate operating in Myanmar.
Confirming this, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, however, refrained from further comment on the case to avoid fuelling speculation.
“The police have opened an investigation, and I have full confidence in their professionalism in handling the matter.
“However, I can share insights from the recent Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Laos, where it was noted that human trafficking is on the rise across all participating countries,” he said.
He told reporters this after the handover of identity documents under the 'Menyemai Kasih Rakyat' programme at the Pulau Redang community hall on Saturday.
The minister said almost all Asean nations had enacted laws to combat human trafficking, including Malaysia's Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“The police will enhance efforts to prevent public involvement in such activities. If involvement is confirmed, investigations will proceed by the law,” he added.
The Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation reportedly submitted a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday, requesting an investigation into a politician and her husband allegedly linked to a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar.
Read also:
IGP seeks witnesses for probe into politician's alleged involvement in human trafficking
Police seek ‘Datuk Seri’ in Myanmar human trafficking investigation
Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee