A REVIEW OF THE ANTI-SEX TRAFFICKING APPROACH IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

The term ‘sex trafficking’ is commonly used to describe activities which involve trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. However, the term ‘sex trafficking’ has become a highly contested term because of the diverse views held by state officials, anti-trafficking scholars and non-governmental organisations on sex work. Hypothetical viewpoints range from abolitionism and neo-abolitionism to those that see trafficking on a continuum of movement, as a human rights issue, inside a pro-sex work/labour system, and an expansion of religious/faith-based convictions. Despite these differing hypothetical viewpoints, the definition of sex trafficking tends to be dominated by state officials and other powerful groups who commonly position trafficking as a product of neo-abolitionism, crime control, and sex work deterrence. This has resulted in punitive measures which further victimises trafficked women. Therefore, this article aims to review the key debates surrounding the term ‘sex trafficking’ and the policing practices carried out by enforcement officers in ‘protecting’ migrant women who have been sexually trafficked. The article will also examine the ongoing victim-protection policies during the pandemic and provide recommendations to improve the current anti-trafficking framework.