Malaysia Aviation Group trains front liners to combat human trafficking

KLIA, 4 September 2018: Employees of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) recently attended an extensive four-day training by the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) to identify and report any signs of human trafficking situations.

Facilitated by the International Organization for Migration- Human Trafficking expert, Peter Bryant from United Kingdom, the training was also supported by regulatory bodies including the Attorney General Chambers, Department of Women Development and the Royal Malaysia Police.

The training was to create awareness amongst MAG employees particularly those working at the airport to spot signs of human trafficking. The training modules included case studies, followed by practical applications which included responding to related issues pertaining to the crime as well as reporting of any warning signs of trafficking.

The Knowledge Management Unit under MAG has trained more than 4,000 employees comprising of flight attendants and ground handlers since 2017 to identify potential human trafficking victims and to notify authorities. Last year MAG had declared a zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking at the launch of its anti-human trafficking campaign at KL International Airport (KLIA) and this training is part of the Group’s ongoing efforts in enforcing the fight against any illegal activity.

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, Izham Ismail said, “MAG reaffirms our commitment and will continue to play an active role in looking out for possible cases of human trafficking, a crime that ranks among the worst forms of human rights abuse and is the lifeblood of many organized criminal groups.”

“Criminals rely heavily on air transportation to smuggle victims from one place to another and we wish to help put a stop to this. Together with IOM and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (MAPO), we are ensuring our front liners are trained and empowered, and are able to spot and report any suspicious activities both at airports and during flights.”

“With proper guidelines and ongoing training, the Knowledge Management Unit plans to train 3,000 more employees Group-wide by end of this year, he added.”