National action plan against forced labour in the works, says minister

 

Human resources minister M Saravanan says the government will ensure better protection for workers.

PETALING JAYA: A national action plan on forced and child labour is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of this year, says human resources minister M Saravanan.

Responding to Malaysia’s downgrade to the lowest tier in the US State Department’s annual human trafficking report, he said the ministry is collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the plan.

In a statement, Saravanan said his ministry will also work closely with the home ministry and other relevant parties in curbing human trafficking in the country, especially involving forced labour.

He reiterated that the ministry viewed the downgrade seriously, and gave an assurance it would continue to focus on addressing the issue and improving initiatives already implemented.

“The issue of labour has become very complex following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the human resources ministry has taken several initiatives including tightening enforcement of the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

“The ministry will also ensure that this act can be enforced along with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom) to increase the number of convictions over forced labour,” he said.

Saravanan said the ministry will review memoranda of understanding with source countries to ensure better protection for workers while not burdening employers.

He said the ministry will study the costs charged by private agencies in case of hidden charges that could burden workers or employers to the point of exploitation and debt bondage.

“The Working for Workers mobile application has been set up since May for workers to file direct complaints to 80 labour offices nationwide. As of July 4, 4,636 complaints have been lodged, with 3,502 probed with action taken.

“Information from these complaints have also helped the ministry’s enforcement authorities to probe claims of forced labour,” he said.

Malaysia, which was placed on the Tier 2 Watchlist in the US’ report last year, was downgraded to Tier 3 as it did not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and was not making significant efforts to do so. - FMT