International concern has been growing over internet scams in the Asia-Pacific region often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments.

They face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says Malaysia is ‘committed to maintaining border security’.

Many of the victims were rescued from illegal shelters on course to be trafficked as maids, boat crew or prostitutes, with several cases of child exploitation also included.

Fadillah Yusof also says the country is establishing engagement sessions, especially with the US, to ensure allegations on labour issues are resolved bilaterally.

Lured by social media posts promising well-paid jobs in countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, thousands of people have become trapped in cyber scam operations.

Their passports were confiscated and they were made to work up to 18 hours a day, with salary deductions for interacting with colleagues or taking extended breaks.

In many cases, rescuing Malaysians caught in human trafficking is difficult for a number of reasons.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin says this will give an actual picture of Malaysia's efforts in this regard, after its Tier Three ranking in the latest US Trafficking in Persons Report.

The US Department of State says Malaysia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so.

The new section also listed other countries with a 'documented 'policy or pattern' of human trafficking,' forced labor in government-affiliated sectors, sexual slavery in government camps or employ or recruit child soldiers.

Lawyers for Liberty says the home ministry must stop its harsh treatment of migrants and commit to conducting significant changes to current migration laws.