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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Behind the glitter, a dark reality for migrants
Malaysia is positioned at a unique geographical and economic intersection. The peninsula, together with Sabah and Sarawak, is shielded from earthquakes, typhoons and volcanoes. It offers desirable destinations, lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, scenic beaches and warm weather. Malaysia is also a trading powerhouse, attracting multinationals and manufacturers. Yet there is one aspect of its appeal Malaysia might wish to avoid — the same allure that attracts multinational investment also draws migrants desperate for jobs, informal trade or asylum. Migrant workers are eager to find a way into Malaysia's economy and prosperity. But the reality is often grim. Migrants, in their eagerness to benefit from Malaysia's prosperity, often end up disappointed — and sometimes, dead. Malaysia's appeal also attracts syndicates that exploit vulnerable people, trapping them in forced labour and prostitution. The government, long criticised for its failure to address human trafficking, recently dismantled a syndicate involving Immigration Department officers conspiring with traffickers to bring in migrant workers. On June 2, a syndicate tried to smuggle in 240 Bangladeshis, 33 Pakistanis and six Indian nationals into Malaysia through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The authorities issued Not-To-Land (NTL) orders to these people, whose travel patterns matched those of previous illegal entries linked to trafficking syndicates. The foreigners had identical travel itineraries, scripted responses and suspicious documentation. Between June 2023 and May 2024, 25,568 NTL orders were recorded nationwide. The highest numbers were logged during public holidays and school breaks. Malaysia has been added to the United States State Department's Tier 2 Watch List, indicating it meets the minimum standards in addressing human trafficking, though serious concerns remain. The government must better identify and protect vulnerable people, particularly household workers and those in sectors such as oil palm and disposable glove manufacturing. Several key recommendations include training enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute traffickers, expanding labour protections and educating migrants of their rights, especially in holding on to their passports. The government should eliminate recruitment or placement fees, expand freedom of movement and increase victims' access to communication with people outside shelter or detention facilities. Above all, the government must expose and prosecute officials complicit in human trafficking. Without their protection, such exploitation would be harder to sustain.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Travel Advisory Switzerland: U.S issues travel advisory for Switzerland, one of the world's richest and advanced nations, here are reasons it cited
Why did the U.S. issue a travel alert for Switzerland? What crimes are most common for tourists? ADVERTISEMENT Is there a terrorism threat in Switzerland? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT FAQs Just as the summer travel season begins, the United States government has issued a new advisory for one of Europe's most popular destinations – for its safety and wealth, the country now comes with a list of warnings that American visitors are advised to take United States State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland, advising travellers to take standard precautions, according to the updated travel advisory released on U.S. Embassy in Bern has advised travellers to read the country security report for Switzerland, sign up for alerts, and prepare for emergencies just like they would when visiting any other to the country security report, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is a major concern, especially in cities like Geneva."The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pickpocketing, petty theft, and larceny," according to the Department of State."Transport hubs and tourist destinations are especially prone to these crimes. To reduce risk, use good situational awareness and common sense when handling possessions in public, particularly in larger cities, as per a report by Men's State Department also pointed out that pickpockets frequently operate in pairs, with one robbing the victim while the other actually takes their State Department rated Bern as having a low threat of terrorism and political violence, while Geneva received a medium rating for both situations, but it did not consider kidnapping to be a identified a medium threat of terrorism from lone-actor extremists, but the overall risk remains low."The country had long avoided the terrorist attacks that have stricken other Western European nations, but extremists have long viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and providing logistical support for terrorist operations," the department has been a target for extremists for years, with terrorism primarily stemming from jihadist-inspired acts. The country's terrorism is primarily driven by lone-actor perpetrators, who pose a serious risk due to their undetected nature, willingness to attack civilians, and unpredictability, as quoted in a report by Men's at all; Switzerland is still safe. The United States has issued a Level 1 advisory, which simply advises travellers to remain theft is petty, such as pickpocketing, in tourist areas and transportation hubs. Basic precautions are recommended.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Economic Times
U.S issues travel advisory for Switzerland, one of the world's richest and advanced nations, here are reasons it cited
Why did the U.S. issue a travel alert for Switzerland? Live Events What crimes are most common for tourists? Is there a terrorism threat in Switzerland? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Just as the summer travel season begins, the United States government has issued a new advisory for one of Europe's most popular destinations – for its safety and wealth, the country now comes with a list of warnings that American visitors are advised to take United States State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland, advising travellers to take standard precautions, according to the updated travel advisory released on U.S. Embassy in Bern has advised travellers to read the country security report for Switzerland, sign up for alerts, and prepare for emergencies just like they would when visiting any other to the country security report, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is a major concern, especially in cities like Geneva."The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pickpocketing, petty theft, and larceny," according to the Department of State."Transport hubs and tourist destinations are especially prone to these crimes. To reduce risk, use good situational awareness and common sense when handling possessions in public, particularly in larger cities, as per a report by Men's State Department also pointed out that pickpockets frequently operate in pairs, with one robbing the victim while the other actually takes their State Department rated Bern as having a low threat of terrorism and political violence, while Geneva received a medium rating for both situations, but it did not consider kidnapping to be a identified a medium threat of terrorism from lone-actor extremists, but the overall risk remains low."The country had long avoided the terrorist attacks that have stricken other Western European nations, but extremists have long viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and providing logistical support for terrorist operations," the department primary cause of terrorism in Switzerland was spontaneous acts of violence from jihadist-inspired to the department, "lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational; their willingness to attack civilians and soft targets; their ability to inflict significant casualties with weapons that do not require specialised knowledge, access, or training; and their unpredictability,' as quoted in a report by Men's at all; Switzerland is still safe. The United States has issued a Level 1 advisory, which simply advises travellers to remain theft is petty, such as pickpocketing, in tourist areas and transportation hubs. Basic precautions are recommended.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
U.S issues travel advisory for Switzerland, one of the world's richest and advanced nations, here are reasons it cited
Just as the summer travel season begins, the United States government has issued a new advisory for one of Europe's most popular destinations – Switzerland. Known for its safety and wealth, the country now comes with a list of warnings that American visitors are advised to take seriously. The United States State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland, advising travellers to take standard precautions, according to the updated travel advisory released on Tuesday. Why did the U.S. issue a travel alert for Switzerland? The U.S. Embassy in Bern has advised travellers to read the country security report for Switzerland, sign up for alerts, and prepare for emergencies just like they would when visiting any other nation. According to the country security report, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is a major concern, especially in cities like Geneva. Live Events What crimes are most common for tourists? "The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pickpocketing, petty theft, and larceny," according to the Department of State. "Transport hubs and tourist destinations are especially prone to these crimes. To reduce risk, use good situational awareness and common sense when handling possessions in public, particularly in larger cities, as per a report by Men's Journal. The State Department also pointed out that pickpockets frequently operate in pairs, with one robbing the victim while the other actually takes their possessions. ALSO READ: After Donald Trump's golf video targeting Bruce Springsteen, singer escalates feud with new music release Is there a terrorism threat in Switzerland? The State Department rated Bern as having a low threat of terrorism and political violence, while Geneva received a medium rating for both situations, but it did not consider kidnapping to be a threat. Authorities identified a medium threat of terrorism from lone-actor extremists, but the overall risk remains low. "The country had long avoided the terrorist attacks that have stricken other Western European nations, but extremists have long viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and providing logistical support for terrorist operations," the department said. The primary cause of terrorism in Switzerland was spontaneous acts of violence from jihadist-inspired individuals. According to the department, "lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational; their willingness to attack civilians and soft targets; their ability to inflict significant casualties with weapons that do not require specialised knowledge, access, or training; and their unpredictability,' as quoted in a report by Men's Journal. FAQs Is it dangerous to visit Switzerland now? Not at all; Switzerland is still safe. The United States has issued a Level 1 advisory, which simply advises travellers to remain alert. What should tourists be cautious of? Most theft is petty, such as pickpocketing, in tourist areas and transportation hubs. Basic precautions are recommended. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Business Upturn
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Upturn
US Consulate in Lahore issues shelter-in-place directive as India destroys Pakistani air defence base
In a significant fallout from escalating Indo-Pak tensions, the United States State Department confirmed that the US Consulate General in Lahore has directed all its personnel to shelter-in-place. The consulate has also received initial reports suggesting local authorities may be evacuating areas adjacent to Lahore Airport. This development comes shortly after India's Armed Forces confirmed a precision airstrike on a Pakistani air defence system located in Lahore as part of its ongoing Operation Sindoor. The strike was part of India's proportionate response to Pakistan's failed attempt to breach and attack 16 Indian cities using drones and missiles on the night of May 7-8. Due to reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions in and near Lahore, the US Consulate General in Lahore has directed all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place. The Consulate has also received initial reports that authorities may be evacuating… — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025 Key Indian military bases in Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj were targeted. However, the Indian Air Force successfully intercepted all threats using its S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the retaliatory Indian strike on Lahore and other locations was 'in the same domain and with the same intensity' as the Pakistani aggression. With the situation still fluid and Operation Sindoor underway, the international community is closely monitoring developments, particularly around Lahore — a key hub for Pakistan's military infrastructure. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
