Malaysia's Supermax has implemented a new migrant labour management strategy

Supermax, a Malaysian glove manufacturer, has announced the implementation of a new foreign worker management policy that extends the scope of its recruiting fee reimbursement to include former employees who were directly hired and contracted, the company stated on Tuesday (Feb 8).

Workers who left the firm before October 2019 will be covered by the policy, according to a statement filed with the stock exchange by Supermax.

Supermax has been prohibited from entering the United States since October due to suspicions of forced labour at its facilities, while Canada cancelled its sourcing agreement with the company last month over identical allegations.

Workers at the firm have requested a court review of the British government's decision to approve the firm as a supplier to the National Health Service in December.

The new initiatives and amended remedial eligibility requirements, according to the manufacturer, were decided upon after soliciting input and counsel from an undisclosed international consulting firm as well as ongoing discussions with migrant worker rights activist Andy Hall.

"Supermax has also retained the services of an international consulting firm to continue to review and advise on the payout to all of our present and past employees, as well as to trace and locate these employees who have returned to their home countries," the company added.

For the remediation endeavour, the company will establish a sinking fund managed by an advisory group, which will be reviewed once empty.

According to Supermax, it has already paid out RM25.67 million (US$6.13 million) in remediation to workers for prior recruitment expenses, ex-gratia, and other associated charges.