GAIA Explores Shifting Transnational Crime in the New Norm with Experts
By Riyani Sidek
On the 19th of March 2022, the Global Awareness & Impact Alliance (GAIA) organised a virtual dialogue, entitled ‘A Dialogue on Transnational Crimes in the New Norm’ The event was held to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 on our domestic and global security, namely transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and wildlife trafficking. In navigating the rise in Omicron cases in Brunei, the event gathered resource speakers from Brunei and Malaysia on various steps to understanding how COVID-19 has impacted the three themes and how we can be better prepared and adaptable to challenging environments
The virtual event began with an expert speaker from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Muhammad Khairul Azmi bin Zakaria who emphasized that the demand for drugs is still increasing with traffickers using registered runners to cross the border to meet these demands despite the land border closures. Dr. Asyura Salleh, co-founder of GAIA and a maritime security expert, highlighted the utility of maritime routes for drug trafficking. Dr. Asyura explained that the rise of the demand is partly due to the societal impact of COVID-19 as more people were forced to stay indoors and a rise in unemployment, boredom and anxiety have exacerbated the demand. The session was followed by a question-and-answer session with the attendees instigated by our Guest Instigator, Sharon Sitai.
The second session on Human Trafficking explored how COVID-19 has impacted human trafficking activities in the region. Our speaker, Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi, a member of the Legislative Council highlighted the legislation in Brunei that serves to protect victims of human trafficking and the responsibility of employers to not practice labour violations against their employees. On the other hand, Sumitha Shaanthinni from Our Journey outlined that with the air border closures, migrant workers are taking dangerous routes to travel and it is our role in the community to protect victims of human trafficking. The session was then open for a question-and-answer session instigated by our Research Associate, Riyani Sidek.
The last session had a panel speaker from 1stop Borneo, Shavez Cheema who highlighted the growing wildlife trade on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Shavez was joined in the panel by Dr. Rahimatsah Amat from Sabah Environmental Trust, Malaysia who highlighted the demand of pangolin has increased in countries in India, Vietnam, Mainland China, Indonesia and Malaysia. Norain Acheh highlighted the increase of demand of wildlife trade for traditional medicine, luxury items and pet industries. This includes ivory products for beauty products and jewelry and accessories made from ivory. The session was then followed with a question-and-answer session by our guest instigator, Hazwan Khamarulzaman.
GAIA is humbled by the great turnout of the event and wishes to thank the 99 attendees for taking the time to tune in to our virtual event on A Dialogue on Transnational Crimes in the New Norm. Having been able to host an event that remains imperative and relevant to each and every individual ranging from government officials, young professionals and students is truly a great experience. True enough, in line with GAIA’s mission, the event provided the platform to empower thought, generate change.
Check out the work of our partners in countering trafficking in our region:
AIPA Committee of Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism