‘Know Your Rights, Do It Right’ 2025 Program Highlights Malaysia’s Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Plantation Practices
MELAKA, 4 August 2025 — The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) launched the first series of its ‘Know Your Rights, Do It Right’ 2025 programme, officiated by Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Fong Hin at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Melaka.
This government-led initiative aims to combat human trafficking and forced labour, particularly within the plantation sector, through continuous engagement with industry players. The programme is part of a broader effort to align labour practices with both national legislation and international standards.
This year’s edition is conducted in collaboration with the National Strategic Office of the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (NSO MAPO), focusing on preventive measures against trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.
The programme aims to raise awareness among industry stakeholders regarding employers’ and workers’ rights and responsibilities, and the importance of eliminating forced labour, child labour, and exploitation in the plantation sector.
The session featured talks by representatives from the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) and SD Guthrie Berhad, covering best practices and ethical labour standards.
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) also presented on the upcoming implementation of contribution mechanisms for non-citizen workers, scheduled for October 2025.
In addition, the Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Institute (IMPAC) provided briefings on its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme tailored to the plantation industry.
Current statistics indicate that over 75% of the plantation sector’s workforce consists of foreign workers, which increases the risk of exploitation and forced labour.
The programme is designed to ensure that employers in the sector comply with labour laws, particularly Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955, and adopt internationally recognised sustainable plantation practices.
As part of its sustainability efforts, KPK has implemented the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, which sets stringent standards to ensure plantation companies and smallholders do not engage in forced labour practices.
As of 30 June 2025, 89.6% or 5.03 million hectares of palm oil cultivation areas in Malaysia have been certified under MSPO, underscoring the industry’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.
Malaysia’s progress in tackling human trafficking has also been recognised internationally. The country was upgraded to Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the United States Department of State, reflecting significant progress in prevention, prosecution, and protection efforts.
In his speech, Datuk Chan urged all industry players to strengthen recruitment and employment systems in line with ethical standards and human rights principles.
He emphasised that the adoption of sustainable plantation practices, especially those recognised under the MSPO certification, is vital to ensuring the long-term competitiveness and integrity of Malaysia’s plantation industry.
Source — UKK Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK)
