FMT 25th May 2025: Malaysian mould manufacturer Mediceram sets up task force to resolve worker grievances following Bangladeshi migrant workers successful strike to address alleged forced labour conditions
Glove mould manufacturer Mediceram Sdn Bhd has agreed to set up an internal task force linked to a committee comprising employees to resolve future grievances. The move follows weeks of tension with its Bangladeshi workforce over alleged working conditions and the recruitment fees the workers had paid in Bangladesh before coming to Malaysia, said Arumugam Suppiah, the company’s chairman.
Sourced from: FMT by Minderjeet Kaur – 25th May 2024
Mediceram Sdn Bhd says they have reached an amicable solution with their Bangladeshi workers, who recently went on strike.
Arumugam also said the company and its Bangladeshi workers reached an amicable resolution to issues related to a recent dispute today.
“Both parties have now committed to moving forward constructively together in the best interests of all stakeholders and to ensure the profitability and economic well-being of our business,” he said in a statement.
He said both sides agreed that any future complaints from workers concerning their working and living conditions would be addressed through the in-house task force, instead of raising them on social media or the press, “to ensure constructive dialogue and timely resolution”.
Arumugam said the workers had been demanding refunds for recruitment fees they paid to Bangladeshi agents before their arrival in Malaysia.
Although Mediceram initially agreed to reimburse them, its proposal to stagger the payments over a 12-month period led to renewed protests.
About 180 Bangladeshi workers staged two rounds of strikes, on March 6 and 18, in protest against contributions paid to agents in Bangladesh and unresolved passport and visa issues.
Arumugam said the company has since agreed to pay each of the workers RM22,500, over an eight-month period, although it is not obligatory under Malaysian laws.
He also thanked migrant rights activist Andy Hall for facilitating the dialogue between the company and its Bangladeshi workers under challenging circumstances, and for Hall’s commitment to finding a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the problem.
“While some harsh statements were indeed exchanged in the past week, and the company observed what we believe were inappropriate actions by certain individuals throughout this dispute, we humbly accept our own shortcomings in managing this situation effectively at the outset with our own workers,” he said.
Arumugam, however, disputed earlier reports by FMT that the strike by the foreign labourers was linked to unpaid wages.
“It was due to the fees paid to recruitment agents in Bangladesh,” he said.
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For Immediate Release 24th May 2025 – Mediceram Sdn Bhd
Mediceram Sdn Bhd are pleased to announce that the company and its Bangladeshi workers have today reached an amicable resolution to issues relating to a recent dispute that has been publicized in various media outlets.
Both parties have now committed to moving forward constructively together in the best interests of all stakeholders and to ensure the profitability and economic well-being of our business.
It has been mutually agreed that any future complaints from workers concerning their working and living conditions will be addressed through an established in-house task force, linked to a newly democratically elected worker committee, rather than via social media or the press, to ensure constructive dialogue and timely resolution.
Our company is committed to enhanced social dialogue in our workplace into the future and we shall work with our workers and all relevant stakeholders to achieve this aim.
As Chairman of the company, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Andy Hall, an independent migrant worker rights specialist, for facilitating the at times tense dialogue between the company and its Bangladeshi workers under challenging circumstances and for his steadfast commitment to finding a fair and mutually acceptable resolution for both sides.
While some harsh statements were indeed exchanged in the past week and the company observed what we believe were inappropriate actions by certain individuals throughout this dispute, we humbly accept our own shortcomings in managing this situation effectively at the outset with our own workers.
I express my appreciation for the firm and judicious leadership demonstrated by our Managing Director, Mr. Ravichandran, and Finance Director, Mr. Sarawanan, throughout this episode. Their calm, principled approach played a vital role in guiding the company through this difficult period.
Throughout the process of this dispute and its resolution, discussions between Mr. Hall and Mediceram Sdn Bhd were often intense, but always focused on the core objective – achieving a just outcome for both the workers and the company. I again thank Mr. Hall for setting aside personal grievances in pursuit of the greater good, and for his commitment to protecting migrant worker welfare while ensuring the company’s long-term sustainability.
We respect and appreciate that Mr Hall’s primary goal in engaging on Mediceram Sdn Bhd issues was to further improve the working conditions of vulnerable Bangladeshi workers.
I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank all our customers for their unwavering support and understanding during this challenging period. In particular, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), The Responsible Glove Alliance (RGA), JTK (Malaysian Labour Department) and Ms. Harinder Kaur of YTY Group for their invaluable guidance and encouragement, which helped steer us through these difficult times with strength and clarity.
Mr. Hall and I have agreed that all future matters in my company should be solved through ongoing and more effective dialogue with our workers. Mr Hall has committed to support our management team voluntarily to build a stronger, more resilient company with a motivated and content workforce where social dialogue is enhanced for the better of both workers, the company and our valued customers.
Arumugam Suppiah
Chairman,
Mediceram Sdn. Bhd.
24.05.2025
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FMT 19th May 2025: Malaysia’s Mediceram Glove Factory (supplying brands and buyers like Ansell, YTY, Top Glove) threatened to deport 60 Bangladeshi migrants amid strike, says activist
Labour rights activist Andy Hall says the strike entered its third day on Sunday, with 176 workers signing a petition to their employer.
PETALING JAYA:
A glove mould manufacturer has allegedly threatened to deport 60 Bangladeshi workers after they downed tools over unpaid wages and other grievances, according to migrant rights activist Andy Hall.
He said the strike entered its third day yesterday, with 176 workers said to be participating by staying home instead of turning up for work
“The factory is not officially shut, but there is no production going on,” Hall said.
He said the workers at the factory, which supplies glove moulds to local and global glove makers, first went on strike from March 6 to 18 over arrears of salaries and overtime unpaid for months.
The company paid up after intervention by his team, Hall said, and returned the passports of about 80 workers.
The workers returned to work on March 19, but tensions escalated again when the workers demanded refunds of RM22,500 each in fees and related costs incurred before arriving in Malaysia.
Hall said the company agreed to refund the costs but only over a 12-month period, which led to a new strike on Friday. The workers demanded that future wages be paid on time, all passports be renewed, and visas extended without further delay.Mediceram worker protest on 16th May 2025 at their hostel
He alleged that the company’s managing director had threatened to deport “not just one person” but 60, saying if they stopped work, they would all be sent back because there was no more work.
Hall said a Bangladeshi official had visited the company on Thursday and met with the workers; he had also met human resources minister Steven Sim in Putrajaya on Thursday together with another senior Bangladeshi official.
FMT has sought comment from the labour department as well as the company.
worker protest slogans
Daily Star 18th May 2025 – Bangladeshi Migrant Worker at Mediceram Sdn Bhd Glove Company in Malaysia (supplying Ansell, YTY, Top Glove and other local and global gloves brands) faces deportation after speaking up on modern slavery and forced labour allegations
Sun May 18, 2025
Sourced from: https://www.thedailystar.net/nrb/migration/news/migrants-malaysia-worker-faces-deportation-after-speaking-3897136
A Malaysian company has revoked the work permit of a Bangladeshi migrant and threatened to do the same to 60 others on Thursday, a day after the workers talked to Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul about poor working conditions, several workers have said.
The management of Negeri Sembilan-based Mediceram, which manufactures rubber gloves, called the worker named Nahid Ibrahim and told him that his work permit would be revoked and he would be deported, they said.
During his four-day visit to Malaysia from May 13-16, the adviser met the Mediceram workers and held meetings with three Malaysian ministers to discuss how the Southeast Asian country can reopen its labour market for Bangladeshis and address the problems facing the workers.
Amid reports of irregularities in overseas recruitment, Malaysia suspended hiring Bangladesh workers in May last year.
Requesting anonymity, a worker of the gloves factory said, “We were shocked when we heard that Nahid would be deported and protested. Then, the management said it has a list of 60 of us who would be deported.”
Nearly 200 workers then began a strike on Friday, he said, requesting not to be named for fear of backlash.
In an email to Prof Asif’s Private Secretary Sarwoer Alam, Nahid wrote, “The company followed me and heard what I said about labour issues with our adviser. All of a sudden, they called me to the office and said I would be deported.”
The email was also sent to the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
Nahid went to Malaysia under a three-year contract and his visa expires in August this year. He spent more than Tk 5 lakh to reach the country and is still in debt because the company had not paid him regularly, according to the email.
“Please discuss with the company and stand by me and my family,” Nahid wrote.
Nahid told The Daily Star yesterday that neither the adviser’s PS nor the High Commission responded to the email.
According to a letter submitted to Prof Asif on May 14, the Bangladeshis workers gave between Tk 500,000 and Tk 600,000 to a recruiting agency named Greenland for jobs in Malaysia.
“Before our flights, they forced us to say on camera that we paid only Tk 78,000,” reads the letter.
However, wages have been irregular for the last two years. In some months, the company pays only half or one-third of the salary, it said.
“Our families are now in deep financial crises. Our debts have doubled. In some months, we had to borrow more money from Bangladesh just to afford food here,” it said.
Under such circumstances, they filed a complaint to the Labour Court late last year and then to the Bangladesh High Commission, but got no remedy.
They then contacted a migrant rights activist Andy Hall, who raised the issue with Mediceram and then got the labour issues audited by a third party.
At one point of time, Mediceram agreed to pay wages regularly and repay Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 22,500, which was spent as recruitment fees. It also paid RM 1,000 as an advance, assuring that another RM 875 would be paid on May 31, and the remaining amount would be paid in 12 months.
“But this payment plan is extremely difficult for us and poses a major challenge for our families,” they said in the letter.
They have also requested the company to pay the full recruitment fee in a single installment.
Earlier, Mediceram had deported 35 workers to Bangladesh without any notice. Currently, the work permits of 170 have not been renewed. Some have been without a visa for a year, others for two years. A few months ago, four workers were arrested as they had no valid visas, but the company has not taken any responsibility, the letter says.
“We urge that our visas be renewed within next month and earnestly request you to resolve all these issues,” the letter said.
Prof Asif met these migrants on the Mediceram company premises, advised them to solve any problem through discussion and not do anything that can be harmful for them or the company.
He also provided the email and phone number so that the migrants could directly contact him.
Adviser Asif and his PS Sarower could not be reached over phone for comments yesterday.
The Daily Star emailed Mediceram seeking comments on the allegations, but was yet to receive a reply as of last night.
Advisor Asif Nazrul with Mediceram workers on 14th May 2025 at Mediceram
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FMT 15th May 2025: Bangladeshi foreign workers in alleged situation of forced labour threaten to go on strike again at mould-making plant Mediceram
Activist Andy Hall says the Bangladeshis are unhappy that one of their colleagues’ working visa has been cancelled.
PETALING JAYA:
Bangladeshi workers employed by a ceramic former and specialist gloves mould manufacturer have threatened to go on strike for a second time tomorrow after one of their colleagues allegedly had his work visa cancelled.
Migrant worker rights activist Andy Hall said the workers at the factory alleged that the worker had been singled out today by the company for being a ringleader in highlighting non-payment of wages and other grievances in the past.
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Daily Star 15th May 2025: Migration – ‘Contact me if you face any trouble’ – Asif Nazrul tells Mediceram migrant workers in Malaysia
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In March, FMT reported that some 190 Bangladeshi workers at the factory, based in a southern state, had gone without pay for three months or payment for overtime work for five months.
Hall had also said then that the workers were in debt bondage after paying exorbitant recruitment fees and costs in the hope of finding jobs in Malaysia.
The group also claimed that they had been inconsistently paid since 2023 and alleged that they were being put up in poor living conditions and not allowed to keep their passports while their work visas had also expired.
Contacted today, Hall said he was puzzled as to why the company would cancel the visa of the worker, with the man’s colleagues claiming it was unjust.
Hall said he was also at a loss over the company’s action when it had agreed to several demands by the foreign labourers in recent months to get them to return to work after a prolonged strike.
“Apart from agreeing to pay the back wages, the company provided an improved hostel, and the workers were happy with the living conditions.
“It seemed that some issues had been resolved amicably, so this decision to cancel an alleged whistleblower’s visa came as a surprise to me,” he said.
He hoped that the company would take the allegation of whistleblower intimidation seriously and investigate the claims.
He also defended the whistleblower, saying he played an important role in highlighting the alleged abuses and did so out of desperation.
He said the employee was not trying to be a “trouble maker”.
Following a third party audit at the factory as a result of the complaints by Hall and the workers in late April, the company offered all of the workers RM22,500 each over 12 months as repayment for their recruitment fees and costs paid to secure work at the company.
The workers’ back wages were also promptly cleared.Bangladeshi Government Adviser (Minister) for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (and Migration) Asif Nazrul in discussion today with workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediceram Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
In a message to Hall, a representative of the company denied claims that they had cancelled the worker’s visa, saying it was a clerical error, and labelled such allegations as “misinformation”.
“There is no retaliation (towards the worker),” the representative said.
FMT has sought comments from the company and is withholding its identity pending a response.
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FMT 15th May 2025: Bangladeshi foreign workers in alleged situation of forced labour threaten to go on strike again at mould-making plant Mediceram
Activist Andy Hall says the Bangladeshis are unhappy that one of their colleagues’ working visa has been cancelled.
The mould manufacturer had settled the workers’ back wages after it was reported in March that they had gone without pay for three months or payment for overtime work for five months. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Bangladeshi workers employed by a ceramic former and specialist gloves mould manufacturer have threatened to go on strike for a second time tomorrow after one of their colleagues allegedly had his work visa cancelled.
Migrant worker rights activist Andy Hall said the workers at the factory alleged that the worker had been singled out today by the company for being a ringleader in highlighting non-payment of wages and other grievances in the past.Mediceram workers protest slogans
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Daily Star 15th May 2025: Migration – ‘Contact me if you face any trouble’ – Asif Nazrul tells Mediceram migrant workers in Malaysia
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In March, FMT reported that some 190 Bangladeshi workers at the factory, based in a southern state, had gone without pay for three months or payment for overtime work for five months.
Hall had also said then that the workers were in debt bondage after paying exorbitant recruitment fees and costs in the hope of finding jobs in Malaysia.Mediceram agreed to a 12 months reimbursement of 22,500RM recruitment fees but workers want the repayment paid in one go
The group also claimed that they had been inconsistently paid since 2023 and alleged that they were being put up in poor living conditions and not allowed to keep their passports while their work visas had also expired.
Contacted today, Hall said he was puzzled as to why the company would cancel the visa of the worker, with the man’s colleagues claiming it was unjust.
Hall said he was also at a loss over the company’s action when it had agreed to several demands by the foreign labourers in recent months to get them to return to work after a prolonged strike.
“Apart from agreeing to pay the back wages, the company provided an improved hostel, and the workers were happy with the living conditions.
“It seemed that some issues had been resolved amicably, so this decision to cancel an alleged whistleblower’s visa came as a surprise to me,” he said.
He hoped that the company would take the allegation of whistleblower intimidation seriously and investigate the claims.
He also defended the whistleblower, saying he played an important role in highlighting the alleged abuses and did so out of desperation.
He said the employee was not trying to be a “trouble maker”.
Following a third party audit at the factory as a result of the complaints by Hall and the workers in late April, the company offered all of the workers RM22,500 each over 12 months as repayment for their recruitment fees and costs paid to secure work at the company.
The workers’ back wages were also promptly cleared.Bangladeshi Government Adviser (Minister) for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (and Migration) Asif Nazrul in discussion today with workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediceram Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
In a message to Hall, a representative of the company denied claims that they had cancelled the worker’s visa, saying it was a clerical error, and labelled such allegations as “misinformation”.
“There is no retaliation (towards the worker),” the representative said.
FMT has sought comments from the company and is withholding its identity pending a response.
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14th May 2025: Bangladeshi Government Adviser (Minister) for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (and Migration) Asif Nazrul in discussion today with workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediceram Sdn Bhd in MalaysiaBangladeshi Government Adviser (Minister) for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (and Migration) Asif Nazrul in discussion today with workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediceram Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
Ahmadul Kobir (google translate)
Published: May 14, 2025
Advisor Asif Nazrul with Bangladeshi workers who were victims of forced labor at Mediciram Sdn Bhd in Negri Simbilan, Malaysia. Photo: Collected.
Advisor Asif Nazrul held a discussion with workers who are victims of forced labor in Malaysia.Bangladeshi Government Adviser (Minister) for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (and Migration) Asif Nazrul in discussion today with workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediceram Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
On Wednesday, May 14, at 11 am local time, Advisor Asif Nazrul sat in on a discussion with Bangladeshi workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediciram Sdn Bhd in Negri Simbilan, Malaysia. The advisor assured the workers of solutions if they raised their long-standing problems during the discussion.
Meanwhile, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul is in Malaysia to participate in a bilateral meeting on the closed labor market. He arrived in Kuala Lumpur on a Malaysian Airlines flight at around 6:15 pm local time on Tuesday (May 13). At that time, officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Kuala Lumpur welcomed him at the airport. As per the itinerary, on Wednesday (May 14), he exchanged views with Bangladeshi workers who are victims of forced labor at Mediciram Sdn Bhd in Negri Simbilan. He will hold a bilateral meeting on labor market issues with Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong on May 15.
Expatriates form a human chain and submit a memorandum in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia to open the closed labor market free from syndicates. Photo: Collected.
Regarding the visit to Malaysia, the advisor said, the visit to Malaysia is about the labor market. Expatriates have many problems here, many have become irregular, many are not getting work. Our expatriate brothers are remittance warriors, many of them are in great trouble, protecting the interests of our country as much as possible. Regarding the syndicate, he said, I do not want to give any words, I want the discussion to be in favor of the people of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, former Malaysian MP Charles Santiago has asked to discuss the issue of stopping syndicates in recruiting workers at the special Malaysia-Bangladesh bilateral meeting.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said the current system and procedures need to be reformed, especially the way in which Bangladeshi workers are allegedly involved in syndicates, charging fees of up to RM20,000 for working in Malaysia. The MP said there should be no rush to reopen the closed door. Fix the house first. He warned against reopening the Malaysia-Bangladesh labour market without real reforms.
Meanwhile, expatriates formed a human chain in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia to open the closed labour market free of syndicates.
They finally submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser through the High Commissioner.
Incidentally, the entry of workers into Malaysia has been stopped for almost a year. The country stopped taking workers after May 31 last year. After that, the joint working group meeting of the two countries regarding the entry of workers has not been held again. However, discussions are ongoing in various ways. Discussions are now in full swing about the Malaysian labor market again. Manpower exporters are demanding that the market be opened by dividing into two groups and holding separate programs.
Earlier, the Malaysian labor market was closed in 2008. It was reopened after eight years in 2016. Then, Malaysia stopped taking workers from Bangladesh again in 2018 due to corruption allegations. It took three years to open that market through a new agreement on December 18, 2021. In August 2022, Bangladeshi workers started entering the country again. Then, the country banned the entry of workers from June 1 last year.
Sourced from https://www.valosangbad.com/44144
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FMT 28th Mar 2025: Glove maker YTY says Malaysian ceramic mould supplier Mediceram may be involved in forced labour practices
PETALING JAYA: Rubber glove maker YTY Group today said one of its Malaysia-based ceramic mould suppliers may be involved in “systemic” forced labour practices. In a statement on its company website, the group said a preliminary engagement with the said supplier, whose identity is being withheld, after recent allegations came to light, “suggests there have been instances of forced labour lapses”.
Original Source: FMT Reporters – 28 March 2025
YTY Group says it will engage with the company to determine why these lapses occurred, and when and how it will remedy them.
Such incidents occurred despite documentation provided that indicated compliance by the said supplier, the company said.
“While we are disappointed to learn of this, our focus at this time is to constructively engage with the company to determine why these lapses occurred, and what the timeline and path to remediation will be,” it said.
YTY Group said its preferred approach when dealing with such allegations was to engage with the supplier in question as they seek to regain compliance, rather than reactively cancelling current or future purchase contracts.
It said such a measure ensured ongoing employment and continued compensation for the affected employees.
“By the same token, if we do not see positive intent, and dedicated effort on the part of the supplier to address forced labour concerns in a reasonable timeframe, we will not hesitate to conclude our relationship with them,” it said.
Earlier this month, FMT reported migrant worker rights activist Andy Hall as claiming that close to 200 Bangladeshi workers employed by the same ceramic former and specialist gloves mould manufacturer had gone without pay for three months.
Hall had claimed that payment for overtime work for the past five months was outstanding, and the workers were not allowed to keep their passports and were being put up in poor living conditions.
He also said the workers, based in a southern state, claimed that they had been inconsistently paid since 2023 and were in severe debt after paying exorbitant recruitment related costs in the hope of finding jobs in Malaysia in 2017, 2018 and 2023.
About 130 workers from the group were reported to have filed a formal complaint against the company at a labour department in early March, which remains outstanding.
Contacted today, Hall said that while the workers have reported improvements in their working conditions since their complaints came to light, they remained in considerable debt bondage while still living in poor housing conditions.
He also said the majority of the workers had still not got back their passports.
“Debt bondage and confiscation of personal documents are both serious ILO indicators of forced labour or modern slavery,” he said.
“This supplier must, therefore, urgently reimburse the workers their recruitment fees and costs, estimated to be about RM17,000 per person, to take them out of debt, and also return their passports.”
Hall said if the supplier was not in a healthy financial situation, it should request support from its well-known Malaysian and international customers to complete the reimbursement process without further delay.
28th Mar 2025: YTY Gloves Group Statement on Mediceram (Malaysian Ceramics Glove Former Supplier) Forced Labour Allegations
Original Source: HERE – Friday, March 28, 2025
YTY has recently been made aware of allegations of certain instances of systemic forced labor at a supplier of ours, Mediceram Sdn. Bhd. (“Mediceram”), who is a manufacturer of ceramic formers, the type used in the production of single-use gloves.
YTY adopts a strict policy of ensuring that the suppliers we engage with are committed to sound employment practices. These practices include enhancing corporate governance standards, improving workplace safety, implementing a sustainability roadmap, and adopting best-in-class labor practices that include treating employees with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Our relationship with Mediceram is a recently formed one, evidenced by our first commercial orders delivering in December 2024. In 2024, Mediceram comprised less than 0.5% of our total supplier spend, making them a very small part of our supply chain.
Irrespective of the size of the relationship, every supplier is required to conform to YTY’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which highlights in detail elevated standards of professional conduct that are aligned with those set by leading agencies in this space, such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), the United Nations (UN), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and SEDEX, to name but a few. These standards include, identify, and extensively focus on forced labor risks.
Prior to our commercial engagement, Mediceram reviewed and voluntarily, but unequivocally, confirmed compliance with YTY’s Supplier Code of Conduct.
As an additional precautionary measure, prior to our commercial engagement, YTY conducted a risk assessment survey, whereby specific corporate policies, practices, and protocols were reviewed to determine Mediceram’s compliance with forced labor standards, and their general conformance to the high standards of professional conduct we expect of suppliers joining our network.
Based on the documentation provided by Mediceram at that time, they were deemed to be in compliance.
In short, a number of credible steps were taken by YTY prior to establishing a commercial relationship to conduct reasonable due diligence and gain comfort with the fact that Mediceram was in compliance with forced labor regulations, and operated with acceptable employment practices.
Furthermore, an additional, and more in-depth, assessment in the form of an on-site audit was planned for later this year as the size and scale of the relationship was expected to grow.
Our preliminary engagement with Mediceram after being made aware of the recent allegations suggests there have been instances of forced labor lapses, despite documentation provided to us at that time which indicated compliance. While we are disappointed to learn of this, our focus at this time is to constructively engage with Mediceram to determine why these lapses occurred, and what the timeline and path to remediation will be.
YTY remains committed to ensuring we maintain long-term supply relations with partners who are fully able to meet the high professional standards we set for them, which are in line with those we set for ourselves. At the same time, in situations like this, our preferred approach remains to engage with the supplier in question as they seek to regain compliance, rather than reactively cancelling current or future purchase contracts. This ensures ongoing employment and continued compensation for the affected employees.
By the same token, if we do not see positive intent, and dedicated effort, on the part of the supplier to address forced labor concerns in a reasonable timeframe, we will not hesitate to conclude our relationship with them.
FMT 8th Mar 2025: Workers at glove mould-making plant in Malaysia, supplying leading domestic and international gloves companies, not paid for 3 months, claims activist (another alleged Malaysian modern slavery related case)
FMT 8th Mar 2025: Workers at glove mould-making plant in Malaysia, supplying leading domestic and international gloves companies, not paid for 3 months, claims activist (another alleged Malaysian modern slavery related case)
Alysha Edward
08 Mar 2025
Andy Hall says about 190 Bangladeshis have been left in debt and struggling to pay off their recruitment fees.The workers are employed by a ceramic former and specialist gloves mould manufacturer (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Close to 200 Bangladeshi workers employed by a ceramic former and specialist gloves mould manufacturer have gone without pay for three months, a migrant worker rights activist has claimed.
Andy Hall said based on information gathered by a team member helping the workers claim their rights, some 190 of them have not received their basic pay for three months or payment for overtime work for the past five months (nb. length of overtime non payment remains in dispute).
The workers are also in debt after paying exorbitant recruitment fees in the hope of finding jobs in Malaysia, he said.
Hall said the group, based in a southern state, also claimed that they have been inconsistently paid since 2023.Management memo issued on 5th March 2025, but company has now said back wages will be settled by end of March 2025
They also alleged that they are being put up in poor living conditions and are not allowed to keep their passports.
FMT is withholding the name of the company pending its response.Workers demands as submitted to JTK Negeri Sembilan on 6th Mar 2025. The workers have stated they will not return to work until their back wages are fully paid
“This inconsistent payment of wages has forced the workers to take loans from banks or borrow money from relatives to pay off their recruitment fees, which are about RM25,000.Mediceram original response to workers demand on 18th March 2025
“Now, they are struggling to settle these bank loans, and the interest is increasing,” Hall said.
However, he said local and international buyers of the company’s moulds that he has engaged with in the past few days have helped to address the situation, and the company has agreed to settle the outstanding salaries by the end of this month.Company memo of 7th Mar 2025 outlining the return process for 88 affected workers’ passports
About 50 workers from the group were reported to have filed a complaint against the company at the labour department yesterday.
Hall said companies supplying moulds to leading local and international glove manufacturers should be investigated if they are employing forced labour.
“Each major glove company uses millions of moulds every year, so there is a need to ask for evidence of the conditions under which these moulds are made,” he said.
Past Related Malaysian Gloves and Modern Slavery Related Stories
26th Sept 2024: Former Malaysian gloves plant workers sue Kimberly-Clark. They allege abuse at company’s supplier Brightway
20th Sep 2023: CBP modifies withhold release order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its subsidiaries
10th August 2022 Reuters: Ex-workers at Malaysian supplier sue Kimberly-Clark, Ansell over alleged labour abuse
10th August 2022: Ansell and Kimberly-Clark Sued in US Federal Court by Trafficking and Forced Labor Victims from Malaysian Glove Company
16th June 2022: My comment on Norway wealth fund putting Malaysia’s Supermax Corp under observation.
The Diplomat, April 4, 2022 – After Pressure, Growing Transparency in Malaysia’s Glove Industry
8th Feb 2022: Malaysia’s scandal-hit Supermax pays $6 million in compensation to migrant workers.
28th Dec 2021 Reuters: Ansell halts orders from Malaysian glove maker Brightway after US ban
The Sydney Morning Herald, December 21, 2021 – Gloves off: Ansell under fire over “modern slavery” at Malaysian supplier
20th Dec 2021 Reuters: U.S. Customs bans fifth Malaysian glove maker Brightway over alleged forced labour
14th September 2021 – The Diplomat: Debt Bondage Payouts Flow to Workers in Malaysia’s Glove Industry
Reuters, September 10, 2021 – U.S. lifts import ban on Malaysia’s Top Glove over forced labour concerns
VOA, July 7, 2021 – Forced Labor Rising in Malaysia’s Rubber Glove Factories, Study Shows
Reuters, May 29, 2021: U.S. probes two Malaysian glove makers over forced labour allegations – report Reuters
20th May 2021 Reuters Insight: ‘Slavery’ found at a Malaysian glove factory. Why didn’t the auditor see it?
The Guardian, March 30, 2021 – US bars rubber gloves from Malaysian from due to ‘evidence of forced labour’
CNN, March 30, 2021 – US will seize all Top Glove imports after finding ‘sufficient evidence’ of forced labour
Reuters, March 30, 2021 – U.S. Customs says forced labour used at Malaysia’s Top Glove, to seize gloves
28th Dec 2020 Malay Mail: Human Resources Ministry – Brightway Holdings, two subsidiaries to face 30 charges over workers accommodation
21st Dec 2020: Malaysia: Hundreds of migrant workers subject to “squalid” onsite living conditions at glove manufacturers owned by Brightway Holdings; Incl. buyer responses
VOA, November 19, 2020 – After US Sanctions, Malaysia Migrant Workers Get Millions in Restitution from Glove Makers
CNN, September 11, 2020 – The world’s top suppliers of disposable gloves are thriving because of the pandemic. Their workers aren’t
VOA, July 17, 2020 – US Bars Imports from Top Rubber Glove Maker Amid COVID Surge
Newsroom, July 28, 2020 – Are your disposable gloves made using forced labour?
Reuters, July 16, 2020 – Amid virus crisis, U.S. bars imports of Malaysia’s Top Glove over labour issues
Associated Press (AP), March 4, 2020 – Key medical glove factories cutting staff 50% amid virus
VOA, October 11, 2019 – US Ban on Malaysian Glove Maker Highlights ‘Systemic’ Labor Abuse
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Why Human Rights Matter to Business?
Risky Business with Darian McBain: Asia
15th January 2024
Why Human Rights Matter to Business with Darian McBain – Interview with Andy Hall – Migrant Worker Rights Specialist
Asian business is changing. Customer demands, government regulations, stakeholder expectations, they are all evolving under the pressure of the environmental crisis. And even the most robust business models are starting to show cracks. But it’s through those cracks that opportunities arrive.
Do you know how to navigate this new normal?
Andy Hall is a human rights defender, a researcher/investigator and activist, and an independent specialist on migrant worker rights.
In this episode of Risky Business, Andy talks about how he uncovered – and helped to tackle – the problem of labour rights abuses in Malaysia’s latex glove industry.
Click HERE to listen
