THE Human Resources Ministry will investigate claims of alleged forced labour in FGV Holding Bhd’s production process, said its minister, M. Saravanan.

The ministry is concerned over the US ban on FGV Holding’s products over such allegations, he said.

“At the moment, the country depends very much on our exports, of which palm oil is among these that increase our revenue.

“It’s not good for our country,” he said today.

His officers are checking the situation on the ground in FGV Holdings’ plantations, he said.

“This issue mainly is in the Sabah and Sarawak plantation sector. The workers there and their children are supposedly involved.

“But it is too early. Let me check with my officers on the ground to get the full data on the issue.”

He said the US ambassador had informed him of the pending action by the US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“I was already told about this a couple of days ago by the ambassador but didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

The ministry will work with the Home Ministry on the allegations, Saravanan said, adding that unions are against the move to implement Act 446 to address such issues.

Act 446 refers to the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019, which touches on the provision of housing, accommodation and employee facilities. 

Act 446 (Amendment) 2019 also seeks to improve foreign workers’ accommodation and issues like space, basic facilities, security and hygiene.

“Meanwhile, I was told that another big plantation firm will be banned soon.”

Saravanan declined to name the planter. – October 1, 2020.