KUALA LUMPUR:Forced labour is no longer an issue in the country following the implementation of various measures by the government to address the problem, including through the establishment of the mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification (MSPO), effective Jan 1, 2021.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the MSPO, among others, required all industry players to comply with the condition of not using forced labour to obtain the certification.
In fact, he stressed that since the inception of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb COVID-19, the government has also banned the recruitment of new foreign workers for the plantation sector.
“The government instead encourages employers to hire local workers by providing Wage Subsidy where employers are paid RM300 per month for six months through funds amounting to RM6 million through the Malaysian Rubber Council, as well as RM36 million for downstream rubber sector activities to replace foreign workers with locals.
“Hence, with the policies implemented by the government, we can automatically address the issue of manual labour as there are no new foreign workers and there will be no issue of reimbursement of the cost of hiring foreign workers," he said in an interview on TVAlHijrah’s 'Assalamualaikum' programme today.
Mohd Khairuddin was commenting on a report listing Malaysia in the 2020 List of Goods Produced by Child Labour by the United States Department of Labor in September 2020.
He said a study on the labour situation conducted by the ministry in the oil palm sector showed that there was only 0.8 per cent of forced labour occurrence in the country, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in the border districts of those states.
"The study, conducted in accordance with the International Labor Organisation (ILO) guidelines, was also tabled to the Cabinet in May with the intention of being published and sent to the ILO and the US Department of Labor," he said.
He said the government is also committed to ensuring the welfare of employees, whether local or foreigners, are taken care of through enforcement at the lower levels, as well as through awareness programme.
Commenting on the prospects for the rubber and oil palm markets, he said the government was actively identifying new markets such as the African continent, as well as the US and European countries.
“In the oil palm industry, for example, we are confident that more than 400,000 smallholders are happy with the price of fresh fruit bunches which now reaches RM550-RM600 per tonne, while crude palm oil fetches RM3,000 per tonne," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Oct 22 2020
The government is also committed to ensuring the welfare of employees, whether local or foreigners are taken care of through enforcement at the lower levels, as well as through awareness programme. - foto BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.