PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia climbing to the second-tier watchlist position in Washington’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report this year positively impacts the nation’s position in the global market, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said being in Tier 2 allows local products to be more marketable internationally, following previous issues where Malaysian corporations – namely Top Glove Corp Bhd, FGV Holdings Bhd, and Sime Darby Plantation Bhd – landed in hot water over unsuitable working conditions for migrant workers.
“Previously, (we had issues with) Sime Darby, Top Glove, and FGV Holdings.
“The problem is that sanctions were imposed on products in these sectors from being marketed internationally,” he told a press conference at the ministry today.
“Now, with Sime Darby and Top Glove free from sanctions, it gives us a sense of relief.
“This shows the significance and relevance of the report towards our economy, whether the products will be marketable in the international market,” he added.
Saifuddin said the government’s commitment is to practice good governance, besides its fight to manage and champion economic justice for the people.
As such, he said it is “crystal clear” that the government will not compromise on human trafficking and forced labour cases, even if it involves civil servants.
“Like it or not, this is a system where people will evaluate us, and the effects of lowering tiers has long-term economic implications.
“For instance, the palm oil industry. We produce 20 million metric tonnes of crude oil. “Imagine what would happen if we do not comply (with the standards),” he said.
Saifuddin remarked that Malaysia received feedback on both positive and negative aspects of the government’s measures in handling human trafficking and forced labour in the nation.
With recommendations also given by the US government, he said it provides clarity on steps the government should take to mitigate the issue.
Previously, nineteen investigation papers were opened against Top Glove Corp Bhd for failing to comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), following mass Covid-19 infections among its workers.
The company also had 3.97 million nitrile disposable gloves amounting to US$518,000 (RM2.13 million) seized by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to information indicating they were made by forced labour.
Meanwhile, charges against FGV Holdings Bhd – including forced labour, complicity in the trafficking of workers and terrible living conditions, among others – led to the roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil imposing sanctions on the company.
CBP issued a withhold release order to Sime Darby Plantation Bhd on December 30, 2020 and subsequently issued its findings on January 28, 2022, that certain palm oil products of the company were produced using convict, forced, or indentured labour. – The Vibes, June 16, 2023
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