PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry is prepared to declare war on human trafficking and forced labour, its minister M. Kulasegaran said today.
He said Malaysia had, for too long, condoned the "horrible act" of forced labour, which led to deplorable work conditions.
He said such activities were reported in the news, including the discovery of the human trafficking death camps that were uncovered in Wang Kelian, Perlis.
“I am pleased to note that the government has recently set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the existence of human trafficking camps and graves in the hilly area of Wang Kelian, which were uncovered three years ago, as reported by the media.
“This goes to show that Malaysia Baru is serious in combating human trafficking and will do so transparently,” he said in a statement today.
Kulasegaran said although many companies were adhering to the country's labour laws, there were "some delinquents" who practised some aspects of forced labour.
“Rest assured, they will be taken to court and brought to justice.
“It has been reported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that millions of workers around the world are victims of forced labour, but let me say that we are determined in our fight against the practice.
“We are going to war against forced labour. I have made some suggestions to the National Labor Advisory Council (NLAC),” he added.
The minister also said the ministry is part of the tripartite cooperation involving government representatives, the Malaysian Employers Federation, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, the National Union of Plantation Workers, the Malayan Agricultural Producers Association, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) and workers’ representatives.
“As a signatory to ILO, the ministry needs to take into consideration the views of NLAC in matters involving human resources policies.”