HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND HUMAN SECURITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: A CASE STUDY OF BANGLADESHI FOREIGN WORKERS IN MALAYSIA

Background and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia.   Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company.   Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted.   Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia. Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking.   Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155