January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
North Koreans have been forced to work on Chinese-flagged fishing vessels for up to a decade without setting foot on land, facing harsh conditions and abuse, according to a report by the London-based Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).
Despite a 2017 UN resolution requiring the deportation of North Korean workers, China and Russia have been accused of bypassing sanctions. The report, based on interviews with Indonesian and Filipino crew members, reveals that North Koreans at sea were denied communication with their families and forced to work under extreme conditions.
The vessels were also involved in illegal activities, including shark finning and capturing large marine animals, potentially supplying seafood markets in the EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
EJF CEO Steve Trent called for stronger action, stating that products linked to forced labor should not reach global markets. China responded that it was "not aware" of the allegations and insisted its offshore fishing operations comply with international laws.
According to the US State Department, up to 100,000 North Koreans work abroad, with their government withholding up to 90% of their wages. — AFP
