KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian manufacturer VS
Industry Bhd has appointed PwC Consulting to
independently review its labour practices for migrant workers,
it said on Friday.
Malaysian makers of items from medical gloves to palm oil
have increasingly drawn scrutiny over accusations that they
abuse foreign workers, who form a significant part of the
manufacturing workforce.
VS Industry, a provider of electronics manufacturing
services, said the third-party review would be based on 11
indicators of forced labour set out by the International Labour
Organization (ILO).
"The scope of PwC Consulting appointment also extends to
providing a workshop to (the) board and management to increase
knowledge and awareness of forced labour issues and risk
management," it said in a stock exchange filing.
PwC Consulting did not immediately respond to a request for
comment.
In December, the Malaysian government charged the firm's
rival ATA IMS, which supplies British high-end home
appliance maker Dyson, with four violations of labour law on
accommodation for workers.
Dyson had terminated contracts with ATA after an independent
audit of its labour practices and accusations by a
whistleblower.
VS Industry said the review aims to identify, understand and
close the gaps specifically for labour practices under a
government-initiated worker recalibration programme, and would
be supported by an independent labour rights consultant.
The Malaysian government programme allows employers in
industries such as construction, manufacturing, plantation,
agriculture and services to legally employ undocumented foreign
workers or holders of expired long-term visit passes.
(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)