MRC launches guide to tackle forced labour issue

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) has collaborated with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to launch a new guide for employers to prevent and eliminate forced labour in the local rubber industry.

The guide, titled Addressing, Preventing and Eliminating Forced Labour in the Rubber Industry in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for Malaysian Employers, is to assist employers, particularly those employing migrant workers, on identifying risks of forced labour in recruitment, employment, and sourcing practices.

Also, the guide is to effectively address, prevent and eliminate those risks.

Based on estimates by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers’ Association (Margma), more than 60% of the 71,800 workers in the rubber glove industry in 2019 were migrant workers. However, of late, Malaysia has been continuously accused of using forced labour in several sectors.

In fact, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the European Union have imposed sanctions on a few local

companies in the palm oil and glove sectors.

Over the past two years, eight Malaysian companies were slapped with a Withhold Release Order by the US CBP.

According to Margma, glove manufacturers, which are still affected by the US CBP’S actions include YTY Industry Holdings Sdn Bhd, Smart Glove Corp Sdn Bhd, Brightway Holdings Sdn Bhd and Supermax Corp Bhd.

Speaking at the launch of the guide yesterday, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said the constant allegations of forced labour threatens the stability of Malaysia’s rubber industry.

She believes the guide, along with other efforts, sends out a strong signal on the determination to put an end to the accusations about forced labour.

Among other efforts, includes Malaysia’s ratification of the ILO Fundamental Convention no. 29, on Forced Labour and Convention no. 182, on Worst Forms of Child Labour, followed by engagements with industry representatives and auditing to ensure that companies and industry players adhere to the 11 ILO indicators of forced labour.

“I hope that this guide reassures the industry players and acts as a stimulus for encouraging future investors and stakeholders,” she said, adding that it should also support workers’ rights.

Zuraida also wants Margma to have a certification for the rubber glove industry, similar to the the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification scheme, to battle against forced labour. Later, at the sidelines, Margma president Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam told reporters that the paperwork for the certification is on track and is expected to be introduced within a year.

Given the fact that Malaysian rubber industry generated Rm71bil through exports in 2021, Zuraida believes this industry plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, MRC chairman Dr Daroyah Alwi said the guide will act as a resource to protect employees’ rights while supporting Malaysia’s business community to eventually enhance workers’ productivity.

“I am confident that the guide will help strengthen efforts to improve the industry’s reputation and the nation’s standing,” Daroyah said.