3 January 2021

Dyson’s Malaysian supplier ATA IMS Bhd will work with the national human rights institution to improve its environmental, labour, social and governance (ESG) practices [...].

The electronics manufacturing services company said it will work with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) [...].

[...]

ATA said Suhakam had visited its facilities on Sept 27 to verify allegations of forced labour reported by media outlets and provided feedback for improvement for the company’s consideration.

It did not say what the feedback was but said it had implemented additional grievance channels for workers, terminated an agent who charged workers recruitment fees and improved communication issues at the company clinic treating workers.

Suhakam confirmed that it would be working with ATA to improve its practices.

ATA also said it “looks forward to working closely … with the government, the human resources ministry and other relevant bodies in its efforts to step up on its ESG and corporate social responsibility efforts”.

[...]

However, in a statement to FMT this evening, Andy Hall, a migrant worker rights specialist, raised several questions on Suhakam’s reported visit to ATA on Sept 27.

He said Suhakam should explain their methodology or approach and whether any credible or independent social compliance or forced labour auditing techniques were applied.

[...]