Malaysia strengthens labour rights and gig worker protections through its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2025-2030 at UN forum.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening labour rights through the implementation of its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030.
The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) stated this includes enhancing business accountability for workers’ rights and promoting ethical employment practices across all supply chain levels.
This position was conveyed during two closed-door sessions at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.
During a session led by Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar, deputy secretary-general (Policy and International) of KESUMA, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to improving labour legislation and strengthening enforcement against forced and child labour.
The ministry also emphasised expanding social protection measures for gig workers and those in the informal sector.
KESUMA highlighted the importance of encouraging employers to adopt Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) practices.
“The ministry is also committed to strengthening worker grievance mechanisms, enhancing the capacity of enforcement officers, and expanding strategic cooperation with relevant agencies,” it added.
These efforts aim to ensure the Labour Chapter under NAPBHR delivers tangible impact at industrial and grassroots levels.
The sessions identified several key challenges, including capacity gaps among SMEs in implementing HRDD and compliance challenges within global supply chains.
At the session on platform work in Asia-Pacific, Malaysia was represented by Datuk Dr S. Puntiha, deputy director-general (Policy and Development) of the Legal Affairs Division.
During the session moderated by UN Working Group Chair Pichamon Yeophantong, Thailand’s justice ministry official congratulated Malaysia on passing the Gig Workers Act.
