Electronics Manufacturing Services (“EMS”) provider in Malaysia, V.S. Industry Berhad (“VS” or the “Group”) has appointed PwC Consulting Associates (M) Sdn Bhd (“PwC Consulting”) to conduct an independent third-party review of VS’ labour practices for migrant workers hired through the Recalibration Programme (“Review”).
PwC Consulting is part of the PwC Network, a network of firms in 156 countries with over 295,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services.
Each firm is a separate legal entity in the PwC Network. PwC’s purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. PwC Consulting will utilise a multi-disciplined team comprising investigation, compliance, risk management, and controls specialists. They will work alongside a labour rights consultant and external legal advisors.
The Review will be based on the 11 International Labour Organization (“ILO”) Indicators of Forced Labour. This exercise is undertaken to identify, understand and close the gaps specifically for the labour practices under the Recalibration Programme.
To recap, the Recalibration Programme was an initiative by the Government to allow employers in certain sectors such as construction, manufacturing, plantation, agriculture and services to legally employ undocumented foreign workers or holders of expired long-term visit passes.
The 11 ILO indicators of forced labour are abuse of vulnerability; deception; restriction of movement; isolation; physical and sexual violence; intimidation and threats; retention of identity documents, withholding of wages; debt bondage; abusive working and living conditions; and excessive overtime.
Managing Director of VS, Datuk S.Y. Gan said,“We are pleased to have PwC Consulting onboard to conduct an independent review of VS’ labour practices for migrant workers hired through the Recalibration Programme. We recognise their professionalism, reputation and credibility, which also demonstrate our seriousness and commitment in addressing any gaps identified specifically for the labour practices under the programme and more importantly how to close these gaps.”
