Canada probes forced labour claims in Malaysian palm oil, glove-making industries

KUALA LUMPUR - Canada is investigating allegations of forced labour in Malaysia's palm oil and glove manufacturing industries, the government said on Friday (May 28).

The companies, which include some of the world's biggest producers, have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over reports of manpower abuses.

Employment and Social Development Canada told Reuters in an e-mail that its Labour Programme was "actively researching a number of forced labour allegations in different countries and sectors, including palm oil and glove manufacturing in Malaysia".

It declined to provide further details or name specific companies being probed.

Malaysia's human resources ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the last year, the United States has banned imports from three Malaysian firms on suspicions of forced labour.

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US Customs and Border Protection has said it found forced labour indicators such as excessive hours, abusive living and working conditions, debt bondage, intimidation, physical and sexual violence, as well as retention of identity documents at these companies.

The sanctioned companies include Top Glove, the world's biggest latex glove maker, and two of the world's top palm oil producers, Sime Darby Plantation and FGV Holdings.

Top Glove said in April it had resolved all indicators of forced labour found at its factories.

Sime Darby has said it is committed to combating forced labour and has robust policies to protect workers' rights.

FGV has said it has taken concrete steps in recent years to demonstrate commitment to respect human rights and uphold labour standards.