Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)is an independent organisation which investigates complaints for the violation of human rights. Human rights is the fundamental rights of each person, regardless of heritage, race, skin color, religion, political views, believes or where we live.
Press Statement: Resignation of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad as SUHAKAM’s Chairman
KUALA LUMPUR (29 AUGUST 2023) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) wishes to extend our warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad who has resigned from his position as Chairman of SUHAKAM, effective 31 August 2023.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad as Chairman over the past year, SUHAKAM has placed significant emphasis on economic and social rights, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. SUHAKAM will continue to hold a vital role in facilitating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives.
SUHAKAM remains unwavering in its dedication to carry forward Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad’s visionary pursuit of urging the government to incorporate the right to a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment within Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution. This aligns seamlessly with the resolution endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on July 28, 2022, to declare access to a healthy environment a universal human right.
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamed has maintained SUHAKAM’ position on the need to address citizenship rights for children born to Malaysian mothers abroad as well as continuously pushing for the abolishment of draconian laws in Malaysia, including Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
SUHAKAM would like to extend sincere appreciation to Prof Dato Dr Rahmat Mohamad for his invaluable contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
29 August 2023
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Kenyataan Media: Perletakan Jawatan Pengerusi SUHAKAM
KUALA LUMPUR (29 OGOS 2023) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih yang tulus ikhlas kepada Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad yang telah meletak jawatan sebagai Pengerusi SUHAKAM, berkuatkuasa pada 31 Ogos 2023.
Sepanjang satu tahun di bawah kepimpinan Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad, SUHAKAM telah memberikan penekanan terhadap hak ekonomi dan sosial, khususnya dalam menangani kesan akibat daripada pandemik COVID-19. SUHAKAM akan terus membawa peranan penting ini dalam melaksanakan inisiatif-inisiatif di bawah Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (SDG).
SUHAKAM kekal teguh dan berdedikasi untuk meneruskan usaha Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad agar Kerajaan mempertimbangkan agar hak kepada persekitaran yang sihat, bersih dan mampan diperuntukkan dalam Perkara 5(1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Ini adalah selaras dengan resolusi yang diterima pakai oleh Perhimpunan Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) pada 28 Julai 2022 yang mengisytiharkan akses kepada persekitaran yang sihat sebagai hak asasi manusia sejagat.
Prof. Dato ‘ Dr. Rahmat Mohamed teguh mengekalkan pendirian SUHAKAM mengenai keperluan untuk menangani hak kewarganegaraan kanak-kanak yang dilahirkan di luar negara oleh wanita warga Malaysia serta pemansuhan undang-undang lapuk di Malaysia, termasuk Akta Kesalahan Keselamatan (Langkah-Langkah khas) 2012 (SOSMA).
SUHAKAM mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad atas sumbangan yang tidak ternilai dan berharap beliau akan terus berjaya dalam segala usaha yang diceburinya pada masa hadapan.
KUALA LUMPUR (4 AUGUST 2023) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) reiterates its stance against the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and any draconian security laws that allow for detention without trial, as they contradict fundamental principles of human rights. Particularly, Section 4 of SOSMA permits arrest, detention, and extension of detention without requiring judicial oversight.
On 27th July 2023, SUHAKAM received a complaint memorandum concerning a planned hunger strike by SOSMA detainees in Sungai Buloh Prison and Alor Setar Prison, commencing on 30th July 2023. In response, SUHAKAM conducted a joint visit to both prisons on 1st August 2023, where we interviewed the SOSMA detainees and gathered more information about the hunger strike. Additionally, SUHAKAM assessed the health conditions of all detainees involved in the hunger strike, which included 35 detainees in Sungai Buloh Prison and 32 detainees in Alor Setar Prison.
The hunger strike was initiated due to the detainees’ dissatisfaction with the prolonged and frequently postponed trial process, as well as their objections to the charges under Section 130 V (1) of the Penal Code, which relates to organized criminal groups. The detainees are demanding that the charges be changed to Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966.
Based on the visit’s finding, the Prison authorities managed the hunger strike incident in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by the Headquarters of the Malaysian Prison Department. The detainees’ health conditions were also properly attended to by the Rehabilitation Officer at the Prison. Additionally, the visit did not reveal any incidents beyond the control of the involved SOSMA detainees.
SUHAKAM has been informed that the hunger strike at Alor Setar Prison was ended by the detainees on 1st August 2023 at 5:00 pm, and at Sungai Buloh Prison on 2nd August 2023 at 1:45 pm. SUHAKAM will continue its investigation into the complaints and will collaborate with the detainees’ families and relevant Government agencies to pursue further follow-up actions.
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Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad
Chairman
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
4 August 2023
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KENYATAAN MEDIA
KUALA LUMPUR (4 OGOS 2023) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) menegaskan pendirian bahawa Akta Kesalahan Keselamatan (Langkah-langkah Khas) 2012 (SOSMA) dan mana-mana undang-undang keselamatan persis drakonian yang berkaitan dengan penahanan tanpa bicara adalah bertentangan dengan prinsip utama hak asasi manusia, di mana peruntukkan Seksyen 4 SOSMA membenarkan tangkapan, penahanan dan penambahan tempoh tahanan tidak memerlukan pemantauan kehakiman.
Pada 27 Julai 2023, SUHAKAM menerima satu memorandum aduan berkenaan rancangan mogok lapar oleh tahanan SOSMA yang berada di Penjara Sungai Buloh dan Penjara Alor Setar bermula 30 Julai 2023. Susulan memorandum tersebut, SUHAKAM membuat lawatan serentak ke Penjara Sungai Buloh dan Penjara Alor Setar pada 1 Ogos 2023 untuk berjumpa dan menemubual tahanan SOSMA serta mendapatkan maklumat lanjut mengenai mogok lapar yang dijalankan. Di samping itu, SUHAKAM juga melihat keadaan kesihatan semua tahanan yang terlibat dengan mogok lapar tersebut. Secara keseluruhannya, terdapat 35 orang tahanan SOSMA di Penjara Sungai Buloh dan 32 orang tahanan SOSMA di Penjara Alor Setar yang terlibat dalam mogok lapar tersebut.
SUHAKAM difahamkan bahawa tujuan utama mogok lapar ini dijalankan antara lainnya adalah kerana para tahanan tidak berpuas hati dengan proses perbicaraan yang mengambil masa terlalu lama dan sering kali ditunda, mereka tidak berpuas hati dengan pertuduhan di bawah Seksyen 130 V(1) Kanun Keseksaan iaitu penglibatan dengan kumpulan jenayah terancang serta menuntut agar pertuduhan kes ditukar kepada Seksyen 43 Akta Pertubuhan 1966.
Hasil lawatan tersebut mendapati bahawa pihak Penjara telah mengendalikan insiden mogok lapar ini mengikut SOP yang ditetapkan oleh Ibu Pejabat Jabatan Penjara Malaysia. Keadaan kesihatan tahanan juga telah diberikan perhatian yang sewajarnya oleh Pegawai Perubahan di Penjara. Selain itu, lawatan tersebut tidak menunjukkan sebarang perkara yang berlaku di luar kawalan ke atas tahanan SOSMA yang terlibat.
SUHAKAM telah menerima maklumbalas bahawa tindakan mogok lapar dihentikan oleh tahanan di Penjara Alor Setar pada 1 Ogos 2023 jam 5.00 petang dan Penjara Sungai Buloh pada 2 Ogos 2023 jam 1.45 petang. SUHAKAM akan meneruskan siasatan ke atas aduan tersebut dan akan bekerjasama dengan pihak keluarga tahanan serta agensi Kerajaan yang berkaitan sebagai tindakan susulan.
Imagine a world where human beings are traded like commodities, robbed of their freedom, and subjected to unspeakable horrors. It is a reality that exists in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of society. But today, we vow to bring this hidden world into the light, reach every victim of trafficking, and leave no one behind.
In this battle against human trafficking, education is the greatest weapon. Through awareness and understanding, we can empower ourselves and others to recognize the signs, break the silence, and take action. It’s about choosing to open our eyes, coming together, and saying, “Enough is enough!”
Is Forced Labour Human Trafficking?
Forced labour represents[1] a grim reality where victims are compelled or involuntarily made to work under harsh and exploitative circumstances. This distressing outcome often arises from human trafficking, where victims become vulnerable and controlled, leading to their exploitation in forced labour, resembling modern-day slavery. It is deeply intertwined with this insidious crime.
Like two sides of the same coin, they share a connection that cannot be ignored. In the minds of many, the terms “forced labour” and “trafficking in persons” are used interchangeably although they’re very distinct. It is a stark reminder that even within the intricate web of human trafficking, forced labour stands tall as a distinct but closely related manifestation of one of the most severe forms of exploitation that needs to be prohibited.
Back in 2015, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and Fortify Rights had published a report entitled “Sold Like Fish”. This report was based on investigations carried out over a number of years involving large numbers of human trafficking victims from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Thailand and Malaysia from 2012 to 2015. The report contains stories and experiences of brave souls who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering.
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“We only had skin and bones.” – Rohingya woman, 25, from Aung Mingalar, Sittwe
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“Every day, someone died.” – “Rahim Ullah”, 16, Rohingya trafficking survivor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2014
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Their resilience inspires us to fight for justice and to create a world where no one is forced into modern-day slavery.
The traffickers did not spare children from the beatings. A Rohingya widow, 27, and her five children from Sittwe Township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State boarded a ship operated by human traffickers in March 2015, she shared that:
“Sometimes, the crew would beat the children. My children were beaten. Whenever the children cried, they would be beaten. At lunchtime, when the children started to get hungry, they’d cry; at this time, the crew would beat them. The beating wasn’t very forceful, but the children would be in pain for a couple of days. Their skin bruised and became swollen.”
The survivor’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that can arise in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their experience underscores the critical need to support and empower survivors, raise awareness, and hold traffickers accountable.
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Twenty-year-old Foyas said he witnessed dozens of deaths during his three-week period of confinement in a makeshift human-trafficking camp on the Malaysia – Thailand border in early 2014:
“The rain caused many problems. Many people died. Many people were swelling.At least 30 people died.”
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“Fatima”, 20, said traffickers beat her husband while they were at sea:
“The dallals beat people who asked for more food or water, including my husband.The dallals beat my husband at least five times. They hit him with a stick, and he suffered some bleeding and injuries. Some people were so thirsty, they started drinking seawater.“
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We must remember that human trafficking knows no boundaries, it happens on the land and on the sea. It transcends borders, cultures, and social classes. It infiltrates our communities, preying on vulnerability and desperation.
Climate change significantly amplifies the risk of human trafficking, especially among marginalized communities. Environmental fluctuations exacerbate factors like economic challenges, gender and identity discrimination, inadequate legal safeguards, and ongoing conflicts, thereby increasing the vulnerability to human trafficking. Additionally, as climate change induces migration, the likelihood of human trafficking escalates, further impacting more severely certain groups, including migrants, women, children, and minority populations, who are more exposed to exploitation due to these circumstances.
Climate change increases the risk of natural disasters, exacerbates poverty, and creates conditions for conflict and instability. Combined with labour demand-supply mismatches and unscrupulous recruitment agencies, vulnerable populations resort to risky behaviours, falling prey to human trafficking and exploitation. Sadly, this climate-trafficking nexus remains overlooked in global discussions and policy frameworks.
Unwavering Hope:Malaysia’s Journey in Combating Human Trafficking
Even in the face of challenges, there is hope. Malaysia’s journey through the United States’ Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, is a tale of resilience and progress. Over the span of a decade, Malaysia underwent a transformative journey in combating human trafficking.
Initially placed in “Tier 3” in 2013-2014, the nation grappled with significant challenges. However, progress made in 2015-2016 propelled Malaysia to the “Tier 2 Watch List”, marking a notable improvement in its efforts. Malaysia was in “Tier 2” in 2017, indicating that the Government had made significant commitments to ensure improvement of its compliance. However, from 2018 to 2020, Malaysia was categorised on the Tier 2 Watch List and in 2021 and 2022 declined to Tier 3.
Yet, the narrative shifts towards hope again in 2023. Malaysia reclaims its position on the “Tier 2 Watch List”, showcasing progress in combating human trafficking.
These placements indicate how Malaysia is assessed by the U.S. Government in meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, as outlined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). “Tier 3” denotes the lowest compliance level, “Tier 2 Watch List” includes governments striving to meet Tier 2 standards but haven’t achieved full compliance as yet and “Tier 2” represents significant efforts towards compliance.
We can be the change-makers
In the light of this, SUHAKAM, together with Government agencies and supportive stakeholders have played a crucial role in raising awareness and combatting human trafficking in the country. The commission has noted its grave concern over the issue and has openly urged the Government to take effective measures by enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to address human trafficking.
Education and awareness are emphasized by SUHAKAM as critical tools to tackle human trafficking. To this end, SUHAKAM has provided extensive training for law enforcement officials, civil society organizations, and the general public to increase their understanding of this issue and enhance their ability to combat it. In the realm of justice, SUHAKAM has been urging for full protection and assistance to be provided to trafficked and smuggled victims, aligned with international standards set by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.[4]
Bring the voices of hope for the voiceless
This year as we commemorate “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”, we stand united with a shared purpose, let our commitment be to reach every victim of trafficking, leaving no one behind. From the standpoint of SUHAKAM, we wholeheartedly offer our strong support and unwavering encouragement in the fight against trafficking in persons. Complaints regarding human trafficking have constantly been lodged with SUHAKAM over the years. Although it is not an enforcement agency for transnational crimes, SUHAKAM has been acting as a bridge between complainants and enforcement agencies to ensure that immediate and appropriate action is taken on every complaint. SUHAKAM also regularly inspect shelters for trafficking victims, advocating for heightened awareness and upholding their human rights from rescue to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Together, we can protect the rights and dignity of every individual, eradicate trafficking networks, and provide the necessary support for survivors to rebuild their lives. Let’s create a world where no one falls victim to such atrocities, and where human rights are upheld for all.
[1] International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), Article 2(1) defines forced labour as: “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself [or herself] voluntarily”.
[2] “Sold Like Fish” Crimes Against Humanity, Mass Graves, and Human Trafficking from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Malaysia from 2012 to 2015 (2019)
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