KUALA LUMPUR: V.S. Industry Bhd (VSI) has proactively discussed with migrant worker rights specialist Andy Hall on migrant workers' welfare in Malaysia.
"There is a need to conduct further due diligence with regards to the situation of migrant workers at suppliers of many multinational companies (MNC) brands in Malaysia.
"My areas of concern include the legality of the use of outsourced migrant workers through third-party agents, the risks inherent in the government's recalibration scheme as well as working hours, living wage and social dialogue issues, amongst others.
"However, my recent comments were not meant as a direct reference to indicate irremediable migrant worker issues at VSI," migrant worker rights specialist Andy Hall said in a statement today.
"In this regard, I am happy that the management of VSI shares my concerns and we are already in discussion on migrant workers' welfare following the company's effort to proactively reach out to me so I could share my concerns with them.
"I have offered my immediate suggestions for VSI's management to consider. I look forward to furthering the exchange of communication with VSI leadership that can surely bring win-win outcomes to both migrant workers and VSI," he said.
VSI managing director Datuk SY Gan said the company places a high priority on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters and are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
"On the subject of migrant workers, we are serious in our efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all
employees, including migrant workers.
"Managing a large pool of migrant workers indeed comes with challenges. As such, we have experienced and trained personnel in charge of the management of migrant workers," he said.
Gan also said that the company complies with all government regulations concerning migrant workers.
"We have also passed the latest audit checks by the responsible business alliance (RBA), as well as by our key customers with no material issues highlighted
With an operating history of over 40 years, VSI has established a strong reputation with MNC clients.
"As such, it is certainly in our best interest to ensure all our practices are above board to uphold our reputation with our clients and build long term relationships with them," Gan said.