Human Trafficking and Human Security in Southeast Asia: A Case Study of Bangladeshi Foreign Workers in Malaysia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia.
 
 Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company.
 
 Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted.
 
 Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia.
 Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking.
 
 Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155

Prevalence, causes and impacts of human trafficking in Asian countries: A scoping review

“…12 It is also reported, that human trafficking has been considered one of the most remunerative methodical crimes, with illegal profit exceeding 150 billion US dollars every year and Asian region recorded the highest profit of 51.8 billion US dollars per year. 13,14 Because of these illicit profits, large number of trafficked women, men and children victims had their freedom and basic fundamental human rights subjugated from them. 14 It is estimated that every year around 5.5 million children are forced into labor conditions and 1.2 million are trafficked victims.…”

“…13,14 Because of these illicit profits, large number of trafficked women, men and children victims had their freedom and basic fundamental human rights subjugated from them. 14 It is estimated that every year around 5.5 million children are forced into labor conditions and 1.2 million are trafficked victims. 15 However, boys and transgender persons are also trafficked.…”

Prevalence, causes and impacts of human trafficking in Asian countries: A scoping review

“…11 It is also reported, that human trafficking has been considered one of the most remunerative methodical crimes, with illegal profit exceeding 150 billion US dollars every year and Asian region recorded the highest profit of 51.8 billion US dollars per year. 12,13 Because of these illicit profits, large number of trafficked women, men and children victims had their freedom and basic fundamental human rights subjugated from them. 13 It is estimated that every year around 5.5 million children are forced into labor conditions and 1.2 million are trafficked victims.…”

“…12,13 Because of these illicit profits, large number of trafficked women, men and children victims had their freedom and basic fundamental human rights subjugated from them. 13 It is estimated that every year around 5.5 million children are forced into labor conditions and 1.2 million are trafficked victims. 14 However, boys and transgender persons are also trafficked.…”