"Canada probes forced labour claims in Malaysian palm oil, glove-making industries", 28 May 2021

Canada is investigating allegations of forced labour in Malaysia's palm oil and glove manufacturing industries, the government said [...].

Malaysian firms, which includes some of the world's biggest palm oil and rubber glove producers, have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over reports of labour abuses.

Employment and Social Development Canada told Reuters in an email 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."

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

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The sanctioned companies include Top Glove (TPGC.KL), the world’s biggest latex glove maker, and the two of the world’s top palm oil producers, Sime Darby Plantation (SIPL.KL) and FGV Holdings (FGVH.KL).

Top Glove said in April it has 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.