Higher Education Ministry determined to help victims of student trafficking


  • Nation
  • Friday, 18 Aug 2017

PETALING JAYA: The process of assisting victims of student trafficking will be difficult, but the Higher Education Ministry is determined to do it right.

R.AGE’s Student/Trafficked undercover documentary series has led to a public outcry on social media for action to be taken against colleges and “agents” involved in trafficking foreign students to Malaysia using student visas.

Ministry director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir (pic) said her team would investigate every single case that came to them.

“We have to look into it on a case-to-case basis. It’s a tedious process, but we’re willing to help. Our main priority is the interest of the students,” said Dr Siti Hamisah.

She said institutions found guilty of the offence could be fined up to RM50,000 and have their licence to bring in international students revoked.

“We have an internal process to justify the amount we’ll impose, which depends on the number of students involved.

“We’ll also get them to assist in repatriation, or pay for the students’ education in another college,” she added.

Victims who would like to report their cases and get assistance from the ministry can do so through R.AGE’s online reporting system at the Student/Trafficked website (rage.com.my/trafficked).

All cases will be forwarded to the ministry for investigation.

The campaign and reporting system has also received support from Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, who said his department would investigate the colleges and agents involved.

Dr Siti Hamisah will be discussing the campaign and answering questions from the public at 4pm today on The Couch, R.AGE’s weekly live talk show.

Representatives from NGOs Tenaganita and Migrant88 will also be on the show.

Go to facebook.com/thestarRAGE to take part in the live show and watch all Student/Trafficked videos released so far.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

EPF's evolution: Recent initiatives for members
All events with US academician Bruce Gilley ordered to be cancelled, says Zambry
Copter tragedy: Squadron 502 commander laid to rest at Felcra Bukit Kepong cemetery
Drawn to Pulai's charms
INTERACTIVE: The rise and fall of towns in Malaysia
Do you know ... about five squid species in Malaysia?
King graces National Unity Ministry’s Aidifitri event
Ask and you shall receive, Hajiji tells Opposition
Melaka’s Straits Chinese community offers to play a big role
Property virtual showcase draws over 30,000 visitors

Others Also Read