PETALING JAYA: The United Kingdom has expressed a commitment towards further cooperation with Malaysia to curb the issue of human trafficking and forced labour, says Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar (pic).
He said that Malaysia has given its word that blockchain technology would be used to ensure that the intake of foreign workers were more transparent and was free from elements of forced labour.
Sivakumar said in a statement on Monday (Feb 27) that this commitment was made during the recent three-day visit by the UK’s Migration and Modern Slavery Envoy Andrew Patrick on Feb 23 to Feb 25.
"The visit by Patrick was to discuss further cooperation between the two countries to address the issue of human trafficking and forced labour," said Sivakumar
"I was informed that the UK had also agreed to provide training and upskilling opportunities to the Labour Department as well as authoritative agencies. A follow-up visit (with regards to this) is scheduled in March," he added.
Sivakumar said that Patrick advised the rubber glove industry to monitor any forced labour so as to avoid any elements of debt-bondage in their chains of trade.
He said this comes following reports that employers or migrant workers are allegedly charged hidden costs during the process of worker intakes.
"The Human Resources Ministry agreed with the UK and will take immediate action to use blockchain technology, which is critical for the purpose of the transparent monitoring of migrant workers," said Sivakumar.
He added that this is to ensure that the intake of migrant workers is free from elements which are likened to forced labour.
"This is also in line with the International Labour Organisation requirements which listed indicators of 'forced labour' include that of debt-bondage," said Sivakumar.
The visit comes amid reports that the UK National Health Service was concerned over worker exploitation in the glove industry here.
The UK government sources most of its medical gloves from a manufacturer in Malaysia repeatedly accused of forcing its workers to endure “slave-like conditions” in its factories.
