KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's decision to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Protocol 29 is a "big win" for the country as well as for its employers and businesses.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the ratification demonstrates the government's commitment to combat and eliminate all forms of forced labour.
Malaysia became the 58th country in the world and the second Asean member state to ratify Protocol 29 after Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan deposited the instrument to ILO in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.
The protocol requires member states to take preventive measures against forced labour, sanction perpetrators, and to provide victims with protection and access to remedial measures.
Lauding the move, Syed Hussain assured that MEF will support the government's initiatives to ensure better treatment for workers in the country.
"Malaysia's ratification of Protocol 29 will send a strong signal that the country is determined to put an end to forced labour practices.
"Previously, Malaysia had put in place initiatives to combat and eliminate forced labour such as the National Action Plan on Forced Labour that seeks to eliminate forced labour by 2025, effective enforcement of the Employment Act 1955 and Employers' Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Amenities Act 1990.
"This will no doubt put Malaysia in a positive standing in the global economy and employment market and demonstrates Malaysia's real commitments in solving the problem of forced labour effectively," he said in a statement today.
Syed Hussain also urged private sector employers to conduct due diligence and report incidents of forced labour in their supply chain.
"Forced labour incidences may occur within the supply chain due to lack of proper mechanisms to address the issues of forced labour.
"MEF stands by fair and professional practices in labour management. MEF believes that the greatest asset that any organisation has is its employees. Treat them well and your productivity will go up," he said.
Syed Hussain said MEF is also a member of the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour (GBNFL), and has collaborated with the organisation to raise awareness among Malaysian employers on the forced labour issue.
"MEF also collaborates with the ILO Bridge Project to raise awareness on forced labour by publishing videos and book on the issue, which was translated to Malay and Mandarin, to better reach our employers.
"However, the task is huge and new forms of collaboration, nationally, regionally and internationally are required to tackle the root causes of forced labour," he added.
Following the ratification, Malaysia will be required to submit a report every three years on measures taken to implement Protocol 29, which will be examined by ILO supervisory bodies.