Kuala Lumpur, March 24, 2022 – The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), representing the manufacturing fraternity in Malaysia, commends the Government for the ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Forced Labour Convention or also known as ILO Protocol 29 on March 21, 2022 which has renewed the nation’s commitment and fight against forced labour in all its forms.
Malaysia, being a very open economy, is a major trading nation and a key manufacturing hub in the region with the manufacturing sector being the largest contributor to exports at 86% of total exports. Hence, the ratification of Protocol 29 will not only improve Malaysia’s standing in the global arena as a preferred trading and investment nation but also significantly uplift the status of Malaysian manufacturers and exporters.
Ensuring that business operations are conducted with the utmost level of responsibility in addressing any form of forced labour is a top priority for the industry as there has been significant intensification of global action against forced labour and human trafficking recently and Malaysian exporters have not been spared.
Any unhealthy business practices would have a damaging impact and jeopardise the significant role and competitiveness of Malaysian manufacturers in the global supply chain. Any allegation or act of forced labour must be viewed very seriously and addressed expeditiously failing which it will significantly threaten and damage a company’s reputation, its investor relations and community standing, and concurrently tarnish the entire sector’s and country’s standing in the global arena.
We strongly believe that the fight against forced labour is a concerted and joint effort of all stakeholders who all have their respective important and complementary roles to play. In this regard, while businesses must ensure that their operations are conducted in a responsible, fair and transparent manner, it is inevitable for industry players to work closely with the Government for the right business and regulatory environment which we think will ensure a conducive operating ecosystem for the conduct of their businesses and to become major players in the global supply chain.
FMM will carry out initiatives to help educate the business community and increase the awareness in the efforts to eradicate any forms of forced labour within the industry.
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Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai
President, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
FMM Advocates Transparency, Integrity and No Corruption
About FMM
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has been the voice of the Malaysian manufacturing sector since 1968. Representing over 11,300 member companies (3,500 direct and 7,800 indirect) from the manufacturing supply chain, FMM is actively engaged with government and its key agencies at Federal, State and local levels. FMM is also well-linked with international organisations, Malaysian businesses and civil society. Apart from benefitting from FMM’s advocacy, FMM members enjoy value-add services, including training, business networking and trade opportunities as well as regular information updates.
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