Malaysia has also joined the World Health Organizations Solidarity Call to Action, calling for a Covid-19 Technology Access Pool to realize equitable global access to Covid-19 health technologies through pooling of knowledge, intellectual property and data., Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in close to 100 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice, Human Rights Watch is a 501(C)(3)nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 13-2875808, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Trafficking Victims, Bidens Challenge: Redeeming a US Role for Human Rights, Addressing the Climate Crisis in Times of Pandemic, From Flight Logs to Homeschooling, Human Rights Watch Grapples with Covids Challenges, As Online Gender-Based Violence Booms, Governments Drag Their Feet, The Other Pandemic: Fighting Inequality as We Beat Back Covid, Poverty, Pandemic, Police Violence: Ongoing Crises Demand the US Address Pervasive Racism. Refugees employed in the informal sector were paid lower wages than comparable employees and were vulnerable to exploitation. They performed hazardous duties and had no meaningful access to legal counsel in cases of contract violations and abuse. Also see the Department of Labors List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods. In 2021, the UN's planned Food Systems Summit during the General Assembly will be an important moment, as well as a yearlong focusing mechanism, to help move the world toward a more sustainable model that addresses all these issues and more. Don't sweat over picking a decent topic dealing with social problems. Administration: The law allows for investigations into allegations of mistreatment; however, this provision did not always function. World Report 2022: Malaysia | Human Rights Watch The Malaysian Trades Union Congress reported that 12-, 14-, and 18-hour days were common in food and other service industries. Malaysia: stress levels by age group 2022 | Statista The governments national five-year roadmap for 2021-25 targets child marriage. Also in September, MACC withdrew 29 charges of corruption against Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashi, a former UMNO parliamentarian and former director of the government-linked Federal Land Development Authority. The governments Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and SUHAKAM monitored prisons on a case-by-case basis. That year, Malaysia's GDP contracted by 7.4 per cent. They should have proficiency in English. Separate education facilities also existed but were insufficient to meet the needs of all students with disabilities. The immigration director general issued a statement confirming that the ships departed with 1,086 of the 1,200 Burmese nationals aboard. Share this via Telegram KUALA LUMPUR: Racial tension remains a prevalent issue in Malaysia which must be addressed to avoid further detrimental impacts on the country, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. A regulation reserves 1 percent of public-sector jobs for persons with disabilities. NGOs and members of the public criticized the law, noting it could cause self-censorship due to liability concerns. 10 significant events and trends that shaped | Marketing-Interactive The old saying "the rich keep getting rich" rings true in the United States. Also see the Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report at https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/. Like in much of the world, social isolation, economic insecurity and the loss of loved ones have become major drivers of anxiety, depression, stress and other challenges. We understand that pulling together the top most common and popular issue prevailing in 2021 is not simple. 5. Social problems can relate to governments, social behavior, social structure, environmental and economic problems. Defendants have the right to be informed promptly of the charges against them, to a timely trial, and to be present at their trial. Corruption: Corruption and abuse-of-power criminal trials were ongoing for former prime minister and sitting member of parliament Najib Razak, United Malays National Organization (UMNO) political party president Zahid Hamidi, and opposition Democratic Action Party head Lim Guan Eng, among others. The government censored films for certain political and religious content, not allowing, for example, screening of films in Hebrew or Yiddish, or from Israel. In-country Movement: Sabah and Sarawak States controlled immigration into their areas and required foreigners and citizens from peninsular Malaysia to present passports or national identity cards for entry. The alliance, led by parliamentarian and former youth and sport minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, had a successful social media launch, securing more than 300,000 member registrations in one month in late 2020. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. The Department of Labor of the Ministry of Human Resources enforces wage, working condition, and occupational safety and health standards. The government's national five-year roadmap for 2021-25 targets child marriage. On February 17, Rafi Ullah, a Pakistani refugee, died at Sungai Buloh Prison, near Paya Jaras, Selangor State, reportedly of a heart attack; his lawyer said serious injuries on his hands and feet raised questions about the cause of death. Employment: Although the government does not authorize UNHCR-registered refugees to work, it typically did not interfere if they performed informal work. SPEAKERS. Malaysia: leading environmental issues 2019 | Statista The inquiry against him took place behind closed doors, causing human rights NGOs to question the independence of the decision. The law restricts collective bargaining in pioneer industries the government has identified as growth priorities, including various high-technology fields. Further custodial deaths were recorded but no one was held to account. In May 2021, speed-testing company Ookla measured Malaysia's mobile internet download speed at 54.54 Mbps and fixed-line broadband at 105.14 Mbps. In February 2021, the Malaysian government decided to build and manage a state-operated 5G . The amount and availability of bail is at the judges discretion. The government did not effectively enforce laws prohibiting employers from seeking retribution for legal union activities and requiring reinstatement of workers fired for trade union activity. The law provides citizens the ability to choose their government in free and fair periodic elections held by secret ballot and based on universal and equal suffrage. Working hours may not exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, unless workers receive overtime pay. "Bribe/Corruption/Rasuah" and "Economy/Ekonomi" were the most frequent one-word responses. There were scattered reports the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings, mostly in the prison system. The government may seize this land if it provides compensation. Also in August, police barricaded the main route to parliament to prevent opposition members of parliament from entering the building after Speaker of the Lower House Azhar Harun suspended a special parliamentary session citing COVID-19 concerns. In 2018 parliamentary elections, the Pakatan Harapan coalition defeated the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, resulting in the first transfer of power between coalitions since independence in 1957. The constitution provides for the right of association; however, the government placed significant restrictions on this right, and certain statutes limit it. NGOs continued to criticize the lack of resources dedicated to enforcement of the law. In some cases authorities treated early marriage as a solution to statutory rape. Such groups also sometimes attempted to intimidate opposition groups through demonstrations. The law does not recognize marital rape as a crime. In August the minister of home affairs rejected an appeal by the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance to register as a political party. The Royal Malaysian Police maintain internal security and report to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Social Issues News -- ScienceDaily Activist Numan Afifi expressed concerns about the escalation and trend towards more prosecution against the LGBTQI+ community in Malaysia, including separate proposals in April to increase sentencing terms against LGBTQI+ offenses under sharia. Some of the most trending and social problems among youngsters in Malaysia are smoking, alcohol and drug used, baby dumping, and also there are a few preventive measures that can be taken to stop this epidemic such as role of parents and government. According to various statistics, the unemployment peak in April 2021 reached over 12.7% in the United States. Nearly a third reported that their recruitment agency threatened them not to speak about being charged the fees. Passport confiscation by employers increased migrant workers vulnerability to forced labor; the practice was illegal but widespread and generally went unpunished. Government regulations and policies provided extensive preferential programs to boost the economic position of bumiputra, a majority of the population. There is no minimum age for engaging in light work. As one of the biggest economies in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an attractive destination for workers from neighboring countries seeking better wages and employment. Penalties for violations were not commensurate with those for similar crimes. There were 46,170 children younger than age 18. In October, according to media reports, a senior politician from the Bersatu party, Borhanuddin Che Rahim, used an ethnic slur to describe an ethnic Indian member of the national badminton team. Malaysia's total population was 32.98 million in January 2022.. Data show that Malaysia's population increased by 408 thousand (+1.3 percent) between 2021 and 2022.. 48.6 percent of Malaysia's population is female, while 51.4 percent of the population is male.. At the start of 2022, 78.2 percent of Malaysia's population lived in urban centres, while 21. . Protests deemed acceptable by the government usually proceeded without interference. The director general may issue necessary directives to an employer to resolve allegations of discrimination in employment, although there were no penalties under the law for such discrimination and thus penalties were not commensurate with laws related to civil rights, such as election interference. Such policies, together with antidefamation laws and the emergency ordinance prohibiting the spread of fake news enacted in March under the January-August COVID-19 pandemic-related state of emergency, inhibited independent or investigative journalism and resulted in self-censorship in the print and broadcast media. Television stations censored programming to follow government guidelines. According to Abdul Rahman Hamid (2015), drug abuse issues in Malaysia is still trouble matter even though it is . You can add more than one country or area. Before and during that campaign, opposition politicians and civil society organizations alleged electoral irregularities and systemic disadvantages for opposition groups due to a lack of media access for the opposition and malapportioned districts favoring the then ruling coalition. Rape is punishable by a maximum 20 years imprisonment and caning. Access to those in detention centers was often significantly limited. On January 11, SUHAKAM expressed disappointment that the government was withholding evidence on orders from the Attorney Generals Chambers and claimed the legal authority to demand such evidence. PM: Racial tension still a major issue in Malaysia Laws prohibit such actions; nevertheless, authorities sometimes infringed on citizens privacy. It has been identified that the leading causes for homelessness are unemployment, poverty, old age and abandonment, . The NGO EDICT declared police violated the legal mandate that at least one female officer be assigned to take care of underage female inmates. Covering a range of teaching and learning challenges impacting learners and teachers, the contributors highlight the pervasiveness of the pandemic on Malaysian society and how Malaysians have found ways to cope. Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy. He claimed their collaborators would get promoted to dominate the police hierarchy, so that when they are top officers and have power, they will start to do their dirty work, including collaborating with criminals. In November the Home Affairs Ministry referred the matter to the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission for further investigation. Birth Registration: A child born in the country obtains citizenship if one parent is a citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth and the parents are married. Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining, b. Other one-word responses: "health", "unity", "equity", "prices", and "money". 9/4/2013. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The board may renew the detention order or impose an order to restrict, for a maximum of five years, a suspects place of residence, travel, access to communications facilities, and use of the internet. Activists have filed two court cases, in the High Court and the Federal Court, challenging the existence and use of these laws in Selangor. Employers were unilaterally able to terminate work permits, subjecting migrant workers to immediate deportation. Malaysia deported him back to Bangladesh on August 21. Attacks on female politicians and women who were critical of the countrys politics were common, including sexist remarks in parliament against female members, threats of rape and murder via Facebook and other social media platforms, and stereotyping female political candidates. The plan outlined policies to increase access to education and attendance in schools, increase access to health education, address stigma and social norms on child marriage, and specify laws and guidelines on child marriages that are in line with government . Kossan completed repaying more than 5,500 workers a total 54 million ringgit ($13 million) with a final transfer of 24 million ringgit ($5.8 million) at the end of June. This included any enterprise not registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia or other professional body and included more than one million self-employed or micro businesses, such as in-home workers, street vendors, and small workshops. Doctors at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang COVID-19 Center canceled their walkout after police allegedly threatened them with arrest. The divisions principal assistant director, Siti Kamsiah Hassan, told media that police received an average of 15 incest cases every month during the year. During the same period, three people died while in police lock-ups, and 188 prison inmates died. The number of unemployed female graduates is much higher in comparison male graduates. Religious department officers allegedly beat and slapped her while in custody. Malaysia entered the pandemic from a robust economic position but has nonetheless been significantly affected. At court hearings 15 to 20 migrants were often tried together, grouped by the offense with which they were charged. The law does not prohibit discrimination with respect to race, religion, national origin, color, sex, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, HIV or AIDS status, or refugee status in employment and hiring; the director general of labor may investigate discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment for both foreign and local employees. Persons who lacked proof of citizenship were not able to access government services, such as reduced-cost health care, or own property. Toh was released on bail but could face a substantial fine, two years imprisonment, or both. Child sex trafficking also occurred (see section 6, Children). Indigenous persons in peninsular Malaysia, known as Orang Asli, who number approximately 200,000, constituted the poorest group in the country and had very little ability to participate in decisions that affected them. The next element to address in the PESTEL analysis of Malaysia is the economic environment. The ruling found the user comments, which Malaysiakini removed within 12 minutes of posting, contemptuous of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. Police raided the publishing company and questioned journalist Tashny Sukumaran and seven Malaysiakini journalists who had authored chapters. Police may use certain preventive detention laws to detain persons suspected of terrorism, organized crime, gang activity, and trafficking in drugs or persons without a warrant or judicial review for two-year terms, renewable indefinitely. Conditions in prisons and detention centers could be harsh and life threatening. The government, however, did not mandate accessibility to transportation for persons with disabilities, and authorities retrofitted few older public facilities to provide access for persons with disabilities. The government reported that 23 people, including two children, died while in immigration detention during the first six months of 2020. The 22 Most Important Issues Facing Malaysia in 2022 Zahid faced charges filed in 2018 of corruption, money laundering, and taking bribes totaling three million ringgit ($720,000) from a company that ran a visa center for the workers, who paid tenfold higher costs for visa services and medical tests over a five-year period without receiving additional protections or benefits. The last two years saw a series of continuous and rapid political developments, starting with the change in federal government in early 2020, alongside shifts in many state governments, and ending most recently with yet another government change in August 2021. Estimates of the street-child population ranged from a few thousand to 15,000, many of whom were born in the country to illegal immigrant parents. Authorities provide defendants free interpretation in Mandarin, Tamil, and some other commonly used dialects from the moment charged through all appeals. Five Global Issues to Watch in 2021 | unfoundation.org Defendants may appeal court decisions to higher courts, but only if the appeal raises a question of law or if material circumstances raise a reasonable doubt regarding conviction or sentencing. Local advocates contended that imprisoned transgender women served their sentences in prisons designated for men and that police and inmates often abused them verbally and sexually. Human Rights Watch called on the government to investigate the deportations and to provide UNHCR with access to all detainees, refugees, and asylum seekers in the country, stressing the risk they faced of a return to persecution. Close to nine in 10 (87%) HR executives in Malaysia believe the function plays a leading role in responding to COVID-19, KPMG's recent 2020 HR Pulse Survey has found. That said, the survey has identified three key challenges likely to arise for HR in the coming 12 to 24 months, namely: 13% of the workforce will be made redundant. New government buildings generally had a full range of facilities for persons with disabilities. Defendants have the right to communicate with an attorney of their choice or to have counsel appointed at public expense if they face charges that carry the death penalty. 16 Aug 2021. Even children have been detained in shelters and threatened with prosecution. Migrants and potential refugees expressed fear about coming forward for the COVID-19 vaccine, fearing detention and possible deportation after receiving mixed messaging from the government. The UN panel urged the country to abolish the practice. The law affords persons with disabilities the right to equal access and use of public facilities, amenities, services, and buildings open or provided to the public. Migrant workers must undergo mandatory testing for more than 16 illnesses as well as pregnancy. In cases related to terrorism or national security, the law allows police to hold persons, even after acquittal, against the possibility of appeal by the prosecution. In July the Federal Court upheld a 2018 criminal defamation conviction against online news portal Malaysiakini for articles and videos published in 2012 about pollution allegedly linked to Raud Australian Gold Mining and ordered Malaysiakini to pay 550,000 ringgit ($132,000) in damages and costs. Observers reported occurrences of forced labor or conditions indicative of forced labor in plantation agriculture, electronics factories, garment production, rubber-product industries, and domestic service among both adults and children (also see section 7.c.). Eventually, they asked for money, which I had no choice but to oblige.. An auditor general is responsible, per the constitution, for auditing the accounts of the federal and state governments, government agencies, and other public authorities. Commercial sexual exploitation of children existed, and a local NGO estimated in 2015, the last year with reported data, that 5,000 children were involved in sex work in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas. Malaysia's RHB Investment Bank noted in a report this month that serious weaknesses to the economy due to concerns that sluggish expansion in the construction and retail sectors, coupled with . Employers may immediately deport pregnant or ill workers. After this incident, more than 300 former and sitting students issued anonymous statements, with the hashtag #MakeSchoolsASaferPlace, recounting sexual harassment and abuse they had experienced at school by teachers and fellow students. terrific article. Those that have been permitted to land have been detained as illegal migrants, with some prosecuted for immigration violations. The number detained in these centers was not publicly available. Homelessness is a symptom of an array of social issues. Share this via Twitter Authorities arrested Yusrazif as part of a special operation conducted by MACC and the Immigration Department since 2020 at the countrys entry and exit points that saw the arrest of 65 individuals, including 39 immigration officers, 17 agents, and nine civilians. Although China is Malaysias largest trading partner, in July 2020 Malaysia rejected in its entirety Chinas claims to rights in the South China Sea encompassed by the nine-dash line. See the Department of States International Religious Freedom Report at https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/. Social problems has been invited many negative things that can threaten the peace and safety of the country. NGOs reported that stateless children in Sabah State were especially vulnerable to labor exploitation in palm oil production, forced begging, and work in service industries, including restaurants. Authorities deported some of these parents, leaving their children without guardians. 1. Trade unions asserted some workers had wages withheld or were terminated because of union-related activity. Freedom of Expression, Including for Members of the Press and Other Media, b. Freedoms of Peaceful Assembly and Association, d. Freedom of Movement and the Right to Leave the Country, e. Status and Treatment of Internally Displaced Persons, Section 3. There were no reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. Police suspended two officers pending investigation. In June, 40 religious NGOs and educator groups released a joint statement protesting an online program entitled, School as a Safe Place for Individuals of Various Sexual Orientations, alleging the event supported the open promotion of LGBTQI+ elements in schools. The statement argued that schools must be saved from elements of pro-unnatural sex orientations and transgenderism ideology that are against religious teachings. The online program proceeded as scheduled. Recent Elections: The countrys most recent general election was held in 2018 amid allegations of partisanship on the part of public institutions, in particular the Election Commission and the Registrar of Societies. How will Malaysia survive the Covid-19 economic crisis? The answer may During investigations police may hold a suspect for 24 hours, which may be extended for a maximum of 14 days by court order under general criminal law provisions. A March 2021 ASEAN Today article revealed that Malaysia is experiencing an increase in mental health problems, which the existence of COVID-19 may be exacerbating. For example, a government unit charged with tightening border controls posted an illustration on social media that showed armed naval vessels threatening a boat and captioned it, Rohingya migrants, your arrival is not welcome (section 2.f., Access to Asylum). The government monitored the internet and threatened to detain anyone sending or posting content the government deemed a threat to public order or security (see section 2.a.). Nine cabinet positions were held by women. In June the government expanded social security coverage to local and migrant domestic workers. In September, however, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision, citing improper procedures by the company in taking possession of land with a customary right claim. Malaysia's Political Polarization: Race, Religion, and Reform Everyone would agree about . A code of practice guides all government agencies, employers, employee associations, employees, and others with respect to placement of persons with disabilities in private-sector jobs. This verdict could potentially nullify some strict anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) legislation at the state level that uses the same rationale as the federal laws. National Security: Authorities often cited national security laws to restrict media distribution of material critical of government policies and public officials. No matter how small or big their problems, their troubles may feel unbearable or overwhelming. On April 17, A. Ganapathy died of severe injuries at Selayang Hospital in Gombak District, Selangor State, following 12 days in custody at Gombak District police headquarters, according to media reports. Abuse of Migrants and Refugees: UNHCR reported that as of December 31, there were 180,440 refugees and asylum seekers in the country who were registered with the agency, of whom 155,400 were from Burma: 103,380 Rohingyas, 22,570 Chins, and 29,450 of other ethnic groups coming from conflict-affected areas or fleeing persecution in Burma. Thank you for this excellent article. In August, Alladin Lanim was arrested for online child exploitation and sentenced to 48 years and six months in prison and 15 strokes of the cane after joint investigations by the Royal Malaysian Police and Australian Federal Police revealed he was sexually abusing children at a plantation in Sarawak State and sharing the material online.
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