Top Glove says no new CBP actions, to carry out extra rectification

KUALA LUMPUR: The pressure on Top Glove Corp Bhd over alleged forced labour may have eased.

It announced yesterday that there were no new additional issues on forced labour that had been discovered or added by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Instead, the glove maker was requested by the CBP to carry out extra rectification and verification work in relation to the earlier findings on the alleged forced labour issue.

“We aim to quickly complete this additional rectification work in a comprehensive manner. We will also continue to abide by the requirements of the CBP’s withhold release order in the meantime,” said Top Glove managing director Datuk Lee Kim Meow at a virtual briefing yesterday.

Top Glove founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai said it was collaborating with independent migrant worker rights specialist Andy Hall on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

Late last month, the CBP ordered personnel at US ports to seize Top Glove’s gloves made in Malaysia over allegations of forced labour. That had fuelled concerns over the company’s ESG practices.

Hall said it was time to acknowledge the increasingly positive momentum forward shown by Top Glove’s leadership to effectively remediate remaining forced labour indicators from the company’s direct operations and supply chain.

During the briefing, Top Glove reiterated its commitment towards continually improving its workers’ accommodations as well as their welfare, health, and safety.

Meanwhile, the company said the glove industry outlook continued to be promising.

This will be driven by demand from developed counties as well as strong growth opportunities in emerging countries.