Kuala lumpur: The number of victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation rescued has shown a downward trend since 2023 until May, reflecting the effectiveness of various enforcement and prevention efforts implemented by the government, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. He said data from the Peninsular Malaysia Manpower Department (JTKSM) showed 70 victims were rescued in 2023, decreasing to 10 in 2024, before increasing to 17 in 2025 and only four as of May this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus expressed cautious optimism regarding the decline in reported cases, emphasizing the possibility of unreported cases that must not be overlooked. He conveyed these observations during a press briefing following the closure of the National Synergy Seminar on Preventing and Eradicating Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation in the Central Zone 2026.

Khairul Firdaus highlighted that from January to May this year, 386 enforcement operations related to labour had been conducted nationwide, resulting in the opening of 311 investigation papers. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating forced labour in accordance with protocols ratified under the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

In discussing the National Synergy Seminar, Khairul Firdaus noted that it was part of a series of national awareness tours conducted by JTKSM. The seminars aim to provide education and information on human trafficking and labour exploitation. The Central Zone seminar followed events in the North Zone in Sungai Petani, Kedah, on May 18, and the South Zone in Kluang, Johor, on June 8.

He reported that nearly 1,000 participants attended the seminar, providing a platform for exchanging views and suggestions to address the issue effectively.