"Join forces with us to end forced labour, say UK and US envoys", 9 February 2022

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 24.9 million people around the world are victims of forced labour.

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The costs to address forced labour once it is in the supply chain far outweigh the steps needed for prevention. Far better from the outset for recruitment of workers to be ethical, fully transparent and without cost to the workers. Far better for companies to provide fair and legal wages and proper work conditions. Far better to retain workers with good jobs, not through coercion. Far better to avoid reputational and financial damage and be confident in the workforce.

As attention to the issue continues to grow, international companies will seek business environments that leave limited room for modern slavery. In seriously addressing forced labour, Malaysia will present itself as an even more competitive option.

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But this story doesn’t have to end here. The National Action Plan is an excellent step to spur Malaysia to address forced labour. But plans must turn into action, including by holding perpetrators criminally accountable.

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While the Malaysian government must take proactive and sustainable action to prosecute traffickers and protect victims, Malaysian companies also have a role to play. Indicators of forced labour are well-known, and these practices violate Malaysian law.

Companies need to commit to preventing and addressing forced labour and proactively root out these practices at every level in order to stave off more trade actions – and do their part to enhance, rather than diminish, Malaysia’s international reputation.

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The United Kingdom and the United States are ready to work together with Malaysia. Our countries face similar challenges at home. We have more to do, but we’ve also learned important lessons along the way. We are ready to share, support, and build Malaysia’s capacity, to turn the country into a global leader in the fight against forced labour.