KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Some 30 cases of human trafficking involving 123 victims have been investigated following the enforcement of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in February last year, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

All victims were placed under the interim protection order.

One case had a conviction and eight other cases were pending hearing, he added.

"These statistics reflect the seriousness of the Malaysian enforcement agencies in dealing with human trafficking cases," Musa said in his closing speech at the Malaysia-Netherlands Anti Trafficking In Persons Conference here.

The text of his speech was read out by Criminal Investigation Department deputy director Datuk Mortadza Nazarene.

Musa said a majority of human trafficking cases went unreported and the culprits remained at large.

"There were reports that many human traffickers were associated with international criminal organisations; that they were highly mobile and difficult to prosecute.

"In order to combat this global criminal activity, strong government-to-government platforms need to be initiated or further enhanced," said Musa.

Via these platforms, he said, efforts that encouraged public participation as well as cooperation from trafficking victims in the prosecution of traffickers were necessary.

"As enforcement officers, we should also be sensitive and respect the rights of victims to privacy, dignity and safety," he said.

Musa also noted that under the new Act, traffickers could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine and whipping.