Berita 24 English - Canada's government announced Friday that it investigates allegations of forced labour in Malaysia's palm oil a...
Berita 24 English - Canada's government announced Friday that it investigates allegations of forced labour in Malaysia's palm oil and glove manufacturing industries.
Malaysian companies, which include some of the world's largest palm oil and rubber gloves producers, have come under increased scrutiny in recent years due to allegations of labour abuse.
Employment and Social Development Canada told Reuters via email that its Labour Program was "actively investigating several allegations of forced labour in various countries and industries, including palm oil and glove manufacturing in Malaysia.
It declined to provide additional details or identify specific companies under investigation.
Malaysia's ministry of human resources did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
The United States banned imports from three Malaysian firms last year on suspicion of forced labour.
Customs and Border Protection stated that it discovered indicators of forced labour at these companies, including excessive hours, abusive living and working conditions, debt bondage, intimidation, physical and sexual violence, and retention of identity documents.
Among the sanctioned companies are Top Glove, the world's largest latex glove manufacturer, and Sime Darby Plantation and FGV Holdings, two of the world's largest palm oil producers.
Top Glove announced in April that it had eliminated all indications of forced labour at its factories.
Sime Darby has stated that it is committed to the fight against forced labour and has robust policies to safeguard workers' rights.
FGV has stated that in recent years, it has taken concrete steps to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and labour standards.
