In today’s world of increasing digitalisation and globalisation, it is only appropriate for everyone to believe that every single individual living on this planet must have the right to a life free from slavery. Is this really happening? Unfortunately, the answer is a loud “NO”. It is estimated that 40 million children and adults are trapped in modern slavery across different countries, including Malaysia.

In Malaysia, this issue has been well documented in many areas – from domestic work right up to the construction, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services sectors. Hence, there is an urgent need to address this matter before it becomes irreparable to our economy. Immediate attention is needed if we are serious about our global commitment towards sustainability.

What Does Modern Slavery Look Like?

• Slavery is the severe exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain and modern slavery is no different. Circumstances may have changed but people are still chained to their work, whether it is making our clothes, serving our food, picking our crops, working in factories, or working in homes as cooks, cleaners or nannies. From the outside, these works seem like normal jobs.

• However, a closer look will reveal a frightening reality; one where the people have lost the freedom to control their own lives. They face violence or threats, forced into inescapable debt, or have had their passports taken away and being threatened with deportation. Many fell into this cruel trap as they were desperately trying to improve their lives or support their families amidst extreme poverty and insecurity. Unfortunately, not many are able to do so.

• Slavery today comes in many forms. And the most common ones are:
  • Human trafficking: The use of violence, threats or bullying to transport, recruit or harbour people with the aim of exploiting them for purposes like forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage or organ removal.
  • Forced labour: People are forced to do any work or services against their will under threat of punishment.
  • Debt bondage/bonded labour: The most widespread form of slavery where those trapped in poverty borrow money and are forced to work to pay off the debt, losing control over both their employment conditions and the debt.
  • Descent–based slavery: An old-fashioned way where people are treated as property or commodity and their “slave” status is passed down the parental line.
  • Slavery of children: A child is exploited for another person’s gain which includes trafficking, soldiers, marriage and domestic slavery.
  • Forced and early marriage: A person is married against their will and is unable to leave.

Source: AmInvest Research - 7 Dec 2021