KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) is taking a proactive approach in tackling social compliance matters to address the negative labour-related issues in Malaysia’s glove industry.

       Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said in terms of the Workers’ Rights Charter, efforts have been made to comply with the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 which provides for minimum standards of housing and accommodation for workers.

       She said in a statement that the MPIC is also looking forward to engage with relevant international authorities to counteract the recent foreign labour allegations.

       “We hope this will encourage industry players to take care of their workers in accordance with the relevant industry practice and create a safe and healthy working environment,” she said.

       On Monday, Zuraida led a discussion on current developments and challenges in the rubber industry and the rubber glove sector, together with the Malaysian Rubber Board and the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association.

       Among the issues discussed were the shortage of workers, where the output capacity had been constrained since 2019, leading to an estimated loss of more than RM30bil.

       On another note, the ministry said it is also looking into efforts to enhance waste disposal management to produce new products made from recycled materials. — Bernama