A segment of employers accused of human trafficking crimes were instead probed and charged under Malaysian immigration or labour laws, according to the US State Department Trafficking (TIP) in Persons 2021 report.

Malaysia was downgraded to Tier 3 - the lowest status which carries potential restrictions to US aid - after three years of being on the Tier 2 watchlist.

Among sectors in the spotlight include the rubber-product manufacturing sector and palm oil plantations, both of which had products banned by the US Customs and Border Protection over suspicions of being produced...