Preventing E-Tourism as Mode of Sex Trafficking in Malaysia

This article examines the role of e-tourism in Malaysia in facilitating sex trafficking by equipping traffickers with digital tools and opportunities for exploitation. While e-tourism has revolutionized the travel industry by making tourism more accessible and efficient, its digital platforms also present unintended risks that enable traffickers to recruit, advertise, and exploit victims more effectively. By analyzing the mechanisms through which traffickers misuse these platforms, this paper aims to establish a clear connection between e-tourism and the proliferation of sex trafficking in Malaysia. The analysis critically evaluates existing legal frameworks and their effectiveness in addressing this issue, emphasizing the vital role of tourism stakeholders in prevention efforts. By illuminating the darker aspects of e-tourism, this study aims to raise awareness and propose actionable strategies for law enforcement and policymakers to combat sex trafficking in the digital age. Employing a doctrinal research methodology, this research analyzes primary and secondary sources, including case law, relevant statutes, textbooks, and journal articles. This comprehensive approach provides a systematic exposition of the legal landscape governing e-tourism as a mode of sex trafficking in Malaysia.