KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) has launched its responsible employment charter to outline the commitment of its members to the responsible recruitment and treatment of their workers.

       According to the MPOA, the charter is based on several international guidelines and frameworks, namely the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, International Labour Organization declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and the international recruitment integrity system (Iris) developed by the UN International Organization for Migration.

       "The charter affirms the commitment of its members to respect labour rights, adopt responsible recruitment practices and provide good working and living conditions for their workers," it said in a statement.

       In addition, MPOA's members are committed to comply with all Malaysian labour laws and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil principles and criteria related to labour rights and practices.

       "The Malaysian oil palm industry, which has a heritage dating from the European management days, has a long history of respecting labour rights and adopting good labour practices.

       "This charter represents the commitment of the industry to follow international best practice on labour policies and practices," said MPOA chairman Datuk Lee Yeow Chor.

       The MPOA added that the charter will complement the efforts of the Malaysian government in introducing the national action plan of forced labour 2021-2025 and committing to ratify the ILO protocol to forced labour convention.