PETALING JAYA: The working committee established between the Malaysian government and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to address issues related to forced labour is a step in the right direction, says the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).

       MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the committee could help resolve outstanding withhold release orders (WRO) imposed on some Malaysian exporters to the United States.

       The US CBP had slapped WRO on exports of several Malaysian companies especially in the palm oil and rubber glove industries on grounds of alleged forced labour practices.

       The working committee is the best approach to tackle the issue, he said in a statement on Sunday (May 15), while also expressing appreciation for the efforts of the US Embassy in Malaysia to help resolve the forced labour claims.

       The working committee, which will focus on the exchange of information and formulating policies that would support initiatives towards tackling forced labour, is slated to meet every three months.

       The US CBP is also expected to make a working visit to Malaysia at the end of May and hold a workshop with industry players.

       He said the workshop will be useful to shed light on areas that industry players should avoid to prevent their products from getting restricted by the United States.

       "With the establishment of the working committee, it would be easier to deal with the outstanding issues with the United States and the various related agencies,” Syed Hussain added.