KUALA LUMPUR: SKP Resources Bhd, which is making efforts to enhance the welfare of its migrant workers, says it has held a series of positive and constructive discussions with independent migrant worker rights specialist, Andy Hall.
In a statement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the electronics manufacturing services provider said the discussions were centred around addressing issues of working hours and payment of recruitment fees.
“These issues were examined in detail and are in the process of being remediated to the satisfaction of all concerned to ensure the betterment of the welfare of migrant workers at the company.”
SKP said it had been operating based on a zero-cost ethical recruitment fee policy for its migrant workers since 2018.
“SKP will immediately carry out a remediation programme with respect to repayment of recruitment fees previously paid by its migrant workers to agents or other parties.”
SKP also said it will commission an independent third-party social compliance audit by April 2022, the specifics of which shall be agreed by the company and Hall.
“The findings of this audit shall be shared transparently with Hall and provide objective and reliable information of existing company conditions, upon which the continued cooperation between SKP and Hall is based.
“SKP has and always will place utmost importance on the welfare and well-being of all our workers, both foreign or local.”
SKP’s statement yesterday comes following reports that Hall had lodged a complaint with the Labour Department against SKP’s wholly-owned subsidiary SPI Plastic Industries (M) Sdn Bhd.
Hall had alleged that SPI Plastic had forced its Myanmar workers to work overtime.
In SKP’s statement yesterday, Hall said SKP had shown urgency and demonstrated ability to put in place a fast, well-organised, professional and effective action plan in response to the concerns that he had raised.
“I am glad to acknowledge the positive momentum, transparency and openness shown by SKP’s leadership to engage me regarding my legitimate concerns raised; and then to effectively put in place a clear timeline and action plan to immediately remediate remaining labour issues from the company’s operations.
“I am confident this action plan, when implemented, can significantly benefit the migrant workers of the company.”
Hall added that SKP’s response and commitment to this issue was “commendable.”
“I look forward to working together with SKP, based on the findings from the independent social compliance audit to be commissioned by the company in April 2022, to ensure migrant worker’s rights and worker welfare are continually prioritised within the company’s operations.”
In the same statement, SKP executive director Ivan Gan said SKP has always believed that its people are its greatest asset.
“We are thankful to Hall for constructively highlighting some remaining issues of concern that he has identified through his work.
“Our discussions together have been fruitful and his insights have shed some additional light on how to improve and further enhance the welfare and wellbeing of our migrant workers.”