M'SIAN HOME MINISTER INVITES INTERESTED PARTIES TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein
Saturday invited interested parties to join in the fight to stop human
trafficking.

He said there should be understanding among all organisations affected by
the problem and concerned with resolving it so that cooperation could be
structured for a comprehensive work plan.

"I am confident that the interested parties have information for the
ministry. With closer cooperation and communication, I think our efforts to
combat human smuggling, including its connection to violent groups, can be
expanded," he said in a statement here.

Hishammuddin said that issues related to militancy and human trafficking
cannot be regarded as "remote" or not closely or directly related to Malaysia.

He said that was why the ministry had intensified efforts to increase
cooperation with other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom to
tackle human trafficking. .

Hishammuddin said the introduction of the biometric process several months
ago for all foreigners arriving in this country and the recording of data of
foreign workers, including illegals, were the best way to improve security in
the country.

He said the complete records would greatly help the authorities such as the
police and the Immigration Department to investigate any case related to
militant activity or human trafficking.

Hishammuddin said that he had received reports that human trafficking
syndicates were "feeling the heat from our action."

"We will step up the war against the syndicates," he said.