Malaysia Rubber Glove Factory Workers Allege Forced Labour: Report

Workers from Nepal and Bangladesh alleged that their passports have been withheld by the employers.

Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

UK-based National Health Service (NHS) is using medical gloves made in Malaysian factories where migrants are allegedly subjected to forced labour, The Guardian reported in an exposé.

According to the investigation, Top Glove and WRP – at least two companies supplying rubber gloves to the NHS – are allegedly subjecting thousands of migrant workers from Nepal and Bangladesh to exploitative working conditions.

Top Glove is the largest rubber glove manufacturer in the world and one of the biggest employers in Malaysia, and WRP too is a leading manufacturer.

As a part of the investigation, The Guardian interviewed 16 Top Glove workers and three from WRP.

The Top Glove workers from Nepal and Bangladesh alleged that they are being forced to work seven days a week, at least 12 hours a day, with only one day off a month. Their shirts were reportedly branded with the Top Glove logo: “Be honest and no cheating.”

Workers also alleged that their passports are being involuntarily held by the company and were unable to get them back on request.

WRP workers claimed they were “trapped” and not allowed to leave the WRP factory, except on Sundays. The Guardian had to conduct interviews through the factory fence.

Top Glove’s Response

Top Glove in a statement denied the allegations of human rights violation and said that the company was trying to look into reducing work hours of employees.

“Lengthy working hours are our main concern and we continue to explore every possible way to address the issue of our workers’ excessive daily OT,” the company said, as quoted by The Guardian.

“We assure you that the allegations are entirely unfounded and such allegations tarnish our good name,” the statement further said.

“Top Glove adopts a zero-tolerance policy with any regard to the abuse of human’s rights at all levels. In fact our human/labour rights and health initiatives exceed those of the glove industry average,” it added.

According to Free Malysia Today, Britain is launching an investigation into medical gloves used by its health service after the expose.

(With inputs from The Guardian and Free Malaysia Today)