Malaysiakini (English)
COMMENT |The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 24.9 million people around the world are victims of forced labour. Many are forced to work to pay off the debts they incurred to get their jobs. Others face abuse, but fear speaking out due to the threat of deportation; are coerced to work through intimidation; or have their salaries deducted for the smallest perceived infringement. The term modern slavery well describes how these people are exploited. This is a global phenomenon. Criminal gangs, business owners, and recruitment agents exploit people’s desire for a better life…