Rubber glove manufacturer found in violation of SOP

PETALING JAYA: Top Glove Corp Bhd was found to have violated the standard operating procedure (SOP) during the recovery movement control order (MCO), says the Human Resources Ministry.

Following a joint investigation by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants and MCO task forces on July 13, it was discovered that Top Glove’s employees were not practising social distancing at their headquarters in Meru, Klang.

It was also discovered that the workers were living in a crowded environment.

“Top Glove has been compounded by the Health Ministry and served with a notice of compliance by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“However, no offences involving forced labour were detected, ” the Human Resources Ministry said in a statement.

Last week, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) listed Top Glove’s subsidiaries Top Glove Sdn Bhd and TG Medical Sdn Bhd on its website due to allegations of forced labour.

“The ministry is aware that the impact of sanctions by the US CBP will affect the country’s credibility and affect the confidence of foreign investment in the country following allegations of forced labour, ” the ministry said.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan held a meeting with Top Glove and the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma) to get clarification.

“This shows that the government will not compromise in addressing the issue of forced labour in the country, ” it said.

The ministry said the element of forced labour is also closely related to the accommodation facilities provided by employers to workers, especially to foreign workers.

The ministry does not want employers, especially in the rubber sector to contravene the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019.

“The ministry has also instructed employers to conduct an independent social compliance audit to ensure compliance with labour standards, ” it said.

It added that the implementation of the audit was decided at a joint committee meeting between the Home Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry on foreign labour management last year.

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