FMT 12th June 2026: Bangladesh mission in Malaysia steps in to resolve workers’ plight (alleged forced labour case) at AeroFoam Sdn Bhd
Aerofoam Manufacturing Sdn Bhd has given a written commitment to the Bangladesh High Commission to settle unpaid wages and other outstanding issues within six weeks.
Sourced from: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/12/bangladesh-mission-steps-in-to-resolve-workers-plight
PETALING JAYA:
A bedding manufacturer in Klang is working to resolve a dispute involving about 100 workers following intervention by the Bangladesh High Commission.
A spokesman for the high commission told FMT that officials met Aerofoam Manufacturing Sdn Bhd’s management on Monday, after which the company pledged to address workers’ concerns, including unpaid wages and the withholding of passports.
“It was a positive meeting as the management made a serious commitment to settle all outstanding matters by the end of this month.
“In a letter of commitment we received yesterday, the company said it needed six weeks to raise the funds required to settle all unpaid wages.
“But all other issues will be addressed with immediate effect,” he said.
In the letter sighted by FMT, the company said it was in the advanced stages of a property transaction, the proceeds of which would be used to settle all outstanding dues.
“The above is our foremost priority. We respectfully request a period of three to six weeks to finalise the transaction and fulfil these obligations,” the letter said.
Aerofoam said all employees would be provided with monthly payslips detailing wages and deductions.
The company also outlined several immediate measures, including returning workers’ passports for safekeeping, improving living quarters, enhancing medical and transport services, and ending the practice of deducting employee deposits.
On recruitment fees, Aerofoam said the charges were imposed by third-party recruitment agents in Bangladesh and were neither collected by nor paid to the company.
“The company did not benefit from these fees.
“Notwithstanding the above, we are open to further dialogue on this matter and are willing to explore ways to assist our employees where feasible,” it said.
Aerofoam also pledged to uphold workplace dignity and workers’ rights at all times, saying it does not condone forced labour, verbal abuse, humiliating treatment, or psychological harassment.
The company said it had appointed a dedicated officer to handle employee grievances and ensure open communication between management and workers.
FMT has reached out to Aerofoam for comment.
8th June 2026: Bangladeshi Workers Face Wage Theft and Legal Limbo at Malaysian Manufacturing Firm
By: Staff Reporter
Published: 8 June 2026, 10:11 PM
Bangladeshi migrant workers employed at a bedding manufacturing facility in Malaysia are facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by three months of unpaid wages, the withholding of personal passports, and the expiration of legal work permits. The affected employees, working for Aerofoam Manufacturing (1969) Sdn Bhd, have formally petitioned the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources’ labor department, known as Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK), to intervene in what they describe as a state of systemic exploitation.
Documentation provided by the Migrant Welfare Network (MWN), an organization dedicated to the protection of migrant rights, highlights the dire circumstances facing these workers. Deprived of income for the past quarter, many are unable to cover daily living expenses or send essential financial support to their families in Bangladesh. The financial strain is compounded by the heavy debt burdens many workers assumed to secure their employment, leading to mounting interest and extreme psychological distress.
The situation is further complicated by the company’s failure to renew work permits for approximately 35 employees. Despite entering the country legally, these workers now face the constant threat of arrest, detention, or heavy fines due to their current undocumented status. Compounding these legal risks is the company’s retention of workers’ passports, a practice that restricts freedom of movement and violates standard labor protocols.
Beyond financial and legal insecurity, the workforce reports abusive working conditions. Allegations include being coerced into mandatory overtime without adequate rest, resulting in significant physical and mental exhaustion. Workers further cited a lack of transport facilities and the absence of any internal mechanism to address grievances, leaving them effectively silenced within the workplace.
The petition submitted to Malaysian authorities outlines a series of urgent demands, including the immediate disbursement of back wages, the regularization of visas and work permits, and the unconditional return of all seized passports. Additionally, the workers have requested an official investigation into the recruitment process, specifically regarding the high placement fees charged, and called for the cessation of compulsory overtime. The workers are now urging the Malaysian labor department to conduct a swift inquiry while ensuring they are protected from potential retaliatory actions by the employer.
Topics: BangladeshComplaintsDetentionHuman RightsMalaysiaMigrant WorkersPassport
MWN 7th June 2026: AeroFoam protest (FB post)
Over 100 migrant workers at Aerofoam Manufacturing (1969) Sdn. Bhd. are demanding justice after months of unpaid wages, passport retention, poor living conditions, and ongoing uncertainty over their legal status.
Many workers paid huge recruitment fees and are now trapped in debt while struggling to support their families. Today, workers raised their voices and called for immediate intervention.
We urge JTK, the Bangladesh High Commission, ILO, IOM, brands, buyers, and all relevant authorities to take urgent action, investigate these allegations, and ensure workers receive their unpaid wages and fundamental rights without delay.
Workers deserve dignity, not exploitation.
Bangladesh High Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sourced from: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1QvPyh2J7g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
