Malaysia Advances Renewed National Plan to Combat Forced Labour with ILO Support

In a decisive step toward eradicating modern slavery, Malaysia is advancing efforts to eliminate forced labour with the development of a renewed National Action Plan on Forced Labour (NAPFL), in close partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This initiative builds upon the current NAPFL (2021–2025) and aims to elevate Malaysia’s commitment to eliminating all forms of forced labour by 2030, in alignment with global standards and sustainable development goals.

From June 18–19, 2025, more than 70 representatives from government agencies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and civil society convened in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day consultative workshop. The purpose: to assess the progress of the existing NAPFL and to shape the framework for the next phase of the nation’s anti-forced labour strategy.

Strengthening the Foundation: From Assessment to Action

The workshop focused on preliminary findings from an ILO-supported evaluation of the current NAPFL 2021–2025. This assessment highlighted significant achievements, including heightened awareness and initial inter-agency coordination. However, it also identified key areas for improvement such as overlapping mandates across national action plans on forced labour, trafficking in persons, and business and human rights.

The findings emphasized the need to:

• Clarify institutional responsibilities.

• Integrate and harmonize data and monitoring systems.

• Reinforce results-based management across agencies.

• Create joint inter-agency mechanisms for coordinated implementation and accountability.

Based on these insights, stakeholders collaboratively outlined a strategic roadmap for the next three to six months to guide the drafting process of the new NAPFL. This roadmap prioritizes international alignment, improved stakeholder synergy, and a robust, evidence-based approach.

Toward a Practical, Sustainable Plan

“Let the delivery of the national action plan be comprehensive, practical and, most importantly, sustainable and adaptable in the rapidly changing world of work,” said YB Puan Norzawatil Amali binti Alias, Undersecretary of the Policy Division at the Ministry of Human Resources.

The current NAPFL (2021–2025) was structured around four strategic pillars: awareness, enforcement, protection, and partnership. These pillars aim to strengthen institutional frameworks, deliver victim-centred responses, and cultivate inclusive collaboration among public and private stakeholders.

The renewed plan will deepen these priorities, reinforcing a holistic approach that ensures the dignity and rights of workers—especially those most vulnerable to exploitation—are safeguarded.

Collective Responsibility, International Support

“What sets the Plan apart is the shared ownership by all stakeholders, united in their commitment to building a future free from forced labour. This collective responsibility is key to ensuring the Plan’s lasting effectiveness and long-term sustainability,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

The two-day workshop was organized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources and supported by multiple international partnerships:

• The Advancing Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work project, funded by the Government of Canada.

• The Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia (Phase II), funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

• The Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme and Enhanced Access to Education for Children and Training Opportunities for Youth on Plantations in Sabah Project, both funded by the European Union.

These multi-stakeholder initiatives underscore the importance of global solidarity in addressing forced labour—an issue that knows no borders.

Global Context: The Urgency of Action

According to the ILO’s latest estimates, over 25 million people worldwide are subjected to forced labour, often under threat or coercion. Many are migrant workers operating in key industries such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, domestic work, and services.

Malaysia, as a regional economic hub that relies significantly on migrant labour, is under increasing international scrutiny to uphold fair labour practices. The renewed NAPFL represents an opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate measurable progress in eradicating forced labour.

The Road Ahead

The months ahead will involve intensive consultations, policy drafting, and stakeholder engagements to produce a revitalized, inclusive NAPFL. The revised plan will not only align with international labour standards but also reflect the evolving realities of work and migration in Southeast Asia.

Ultimately, Malaysia’s proactive stance—supported by international allies—signals its readiness to become a regional model for ethical labour governance. The renewed National Action Plan on Forced Labour is poised to play a pivotal role in delivering that vision.