GLAA supports Malaysia in combatting forced labour

A team from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) travelled to Malaysia last month to support the country’s efforts in tackling forced labour.

GLAA officers conducted the five-day visit from November 21 to 25 at the request of the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.

The objective was to share experiences of how the GLAA operates and to provide an initial assessment for the Malaysian authorities of the agency’s approach.

It was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and contributes to UK efforts in combatting modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide, particularly where it impacts on the UK and its supply chains.

The visit, and further engagement stemming from it, will consider how the GLAA’s experience can be part of UK government efforts to support the Malaysian National Action Plan on Forced Labour.

Darryl Dixon from the GLAA led the delegation.

He said: “During the visit we shadowed Malaysian labour inspectors and observed their approaches at both a palm oil plantation, and a surgical glove manufacturer. Both have been industries where cases of forced labour have been identified previously.

“Discussions with our Malaysia counterparts were fruitful, and thought provoking, and we will be examining how we can assist further.

“While we do not have powers to operate extra-territorially, the visit has identified how our experiences can be used outside the UK beneficially, and also exposes us to other approaches that we can learn from.”

Charles Hay, British High Commissioner in Malaysia, said: “Malaysia has been in the spotlight following allegations of forced labour. We are working hard to support the authorities as they look to address these issues through the National Action Plan on Forced Labour.

“Enforcement is a crucial part of tackling forced labour, and through GLAA, the UK is able to provide relevant expertise to Malaysia. We hope this partnership will continue.”