Enforce prevailing laws, cooperation between countries to counter forced labour: diplomats, activists

BUTTERWORTH – Diplomats and activists at a forum on forced labour have placed emphasis on enforcement of prevailing laws as well as cooperation between countries and agencies to counter the problem, which persists at both domestic and international levels.

They also lauded Malaysia’s efforts in the war against forced labour and human trafficking activities but stressed that more collaboration is needed to combat the scourge globally.

Speaking at the event organised by the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) yesterday, the United States Embassy deputy political counsellor Daniel W. Wright said that all countries face the problem of forced labour, which comes in various forms.

He pointed to the importance of a political will to reinforce the belief that forced labour should be eradicated globally

In the US, there are about 10,000 people who fall into the category. It is estimated that 25 million people are entrapped in some form of forced labour – from sex workers to hard labour migrants, to workers enslaved by employers under debt bondage – at this time.

“To fight this, we need the cooperation of all countries, as only together can we effectively fight forced labour. The infringement of human rights is not just confined to Malaysia, but it is worldwide," he said.

The US has in the past few years censured several Malaysian companies for allegedly condoning forced labour practices.

Wright was speaking at the forum titled National Action Plan on Forced Labour: From Planning to Action – Issues, Challenges and Solutions held at the Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya here yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, the British High Commission’s political counsellor Tom Shepherd said that legislation is necessary, but it is far from sufficient.

He said that there is a need for more collaboration between ministries and authorities.

This is because the fight against forced labour, which is defined in Britain as modern slavery, involves labour inspectors, police, local authorities, and prosecutors.

There is also a need for constant capacity building as forced labour evolves in tandem with the changes in the socio-economy of each nation, he said.

Arulkumar Singaraveloo, co-founder of the Malaysia HR Forum and Social Compliance Malaysia, said that the existing labour laws in the country are sufficient to tackle forced labour.

The issue is the inability to enforce such laws, he stressed.

His views were echoed by the International Labour Organisation’s national project coordinator Josh Hong Man Fatt who said that the laws are adequate although some need to be updated.

Prof Datuk Denison Jayasooria who moderated the forum summed up that the political leadership must show the way in tackling the issues of labour infringements.

“The desire to have high compliance levels, and for the private sector to understand what entails human rights, must be communicated effectively,” the social scientist said.

He added that HRD Corp has a major role in providing support towards breaking the chains of forced labour – The Vibes, March 11, 2022