MALAYSIA and the United Kingdom are in talks about joint efforts each country can head in dealing with the issue of human trafficking and forced labour.

Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar in a statement today said the matter was discussed when UK Special Envoy on Migration and Modern Slavery Andrew Patrick visited Malaysia from February 23 to 25.

He said Patrick advised the local rubber glove industry to monitor forced labour practices such as bonded labour elements in their business chains, following allegations of employers and especially foreign workers being charged hidden costs during the hiring process.

He said the Human Resources Ministry shares Patrick’s view and will take immediate steps to employ blockchain technology to monitor the transparency in the hiring process of foreign workers so it is free from elements linked to forced labour.

Sivakumar said he was informed that the UK had agreed to offer training and capacity-building opportunities to Malaysian labour officers and enforcement agencies.

“A follow-up visit by the UK has been scheduled for March,” he said. – Bernama, February 27, 2023.