KUALA LUMPUR: An independent assessment conducted on ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd (ATA) has found the company adhering to both local and international labour standards at its Johor Bahru facilities.

       In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, ATA, which is a subsidiary of electronic products manufacturer ATA IMS, said the study conducted on its governance and risk management of human rights and labour management practices against the International Labour Organization’s 11 indicators of forced labour was "conducted by one of the Big Four auditing firms”.

       The third-party independent assessment of ATA’s operations, which concluded on March 25, 2022, validated and confirmed that ATA’s activities are governed by human rights principles, laws, and industry best practices and standards to manage impacts in its areas of operation, it said.

       "With increased awareness globally on the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of local and foreign workers, ATA’s leadership is pleased and certain that it will continue making progress in business and human rights with the results of the independent assessment conducted by the auditor,” said ATA, which was embroiled in forced labour allegations last year.

       The company said the assessment used the Sustainability Assurance Methodology and relevant ethical requirements of the International Ethics Standards Board for Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, including International Independence Standards.

       The auditor did, however, highlight a few areas that ATA could improve on, namely in providing education to workers about the Zero Cost Recruitment Fee Policy, increasing awareness on confidentiality of using grievance channels, and continuous improvement of occupational safety and health administration (OSHA).

       Following the recommendations, ATA said it has taken remedial measures in those areas, adding that the company constantly reviews existing policies and procedures to enhance the quality of welfare, health, safety, working conditions, and living accommodations of its workers.

       "The company is committed to sharing details of the independent assessment transparently, and at the proper time with Bursa Malaysia, the Human Resources Ministry, and the relevant local regulatory bodies,” it added. - Bernama