Malaysian firms facing US bans over forced labour summoned by ministry

Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry announced on Sunday (Jan 30) that it would summon all companies facing US import restrictions due to claims of forced labour abuses to discuss immediate action.

Malaysian companies, which include major suppliers of palm oil and medical gloves, have come under heightened attention as a result of reports of migrant worker abuse. Migrant workers make up a considerable portion of the country's manufacturing sector.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Friday that it will restrict imports from disposable glove maker YTY Group, citing evidence that the company utilised forced labour. This is the eighth such ban on a Malaysian company in two years.

Sime Darby Plantation, a Malaysian palm oil manufacturer, was also found to be using forced labour in its operations, and the company's commodities were seized.

M Saravanan, Malaysia's Human Resources Minister, stated on Sunday that he will meet with all companies facing import bans in the US, as well as two glove manufacturers, WRP Asia Pacific and Top Glove, whose prohibitions had been overturned by the CBP.

Saravanan said in a statement that "the measures established by these two enterprises can be used as guides and enhancements for other firms."

Saravanan also announced that the Ministry of Human Resources and the Department of Labour will conduct an immediate investigation into the charges, and that enterprises that failed to alter their procedures would face severe consequences.