It was a historic moment for Malaysia when they formally ratified the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) forced labour convention, known as Protocol 29 (P29), signalling the country’s commitment to end forced labour.
The ratification of P29 would mean the country will take effective measures to prevent forced labour, protect victims and ensure their access to justice.
Malaysia’s Human Resource Ministry has given their commitment to protect the rights and welfare of all workers in the country, including foreign workers, especially in the rubber manufacturing and oil palm industries.
Malaysia’s forced labour issues and treatment of workers, had put the country in a spot particularly in the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report issued by the US State Department.
In November last year, Malaysia launched its first ever national action plan to combat forced labour. Developed by the ministry the National Plan on Forced Labour (NAPFL) 2021-2025 focuses on awareness, enforcement and labour migration.
Malaysia has also become a trail-blazing country with the Alliance 8.7, a global partnership to accelerate efforts to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery and child labour around the world.
-HR HUB
