Malaysia has adopted its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), reinforcing its commitment to eliminating forced labour, promoting fair recruitment, and protecting labour rights in business practices. The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed this milestone, highlighting that the inclusion of a labour pillar demonstrates Malaysia’s strong dedication to international labour standards and their effective application.
The NAPBHR, developed in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), covers the period 2025–2030. It establishes a structured approach to protecting human rights in business operations while strengthening corporate accountability. The plan also draws on international frameworks, including the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, to promote responsible business conduct and decent work.
Labour issues are a central focus of the NAPBHR. The plan addresses key concerns such as forced labour, non-discrimination, fair wages, freedom of association, collective bargaining, and social dialogue. It commits to eradicating forced labour by 2030 in line with the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), and its 2014 Protocol, while also adopting globally recognized fair recruitment practices in accordance with ILO guidelines.
The ILO has played an important role in supporting the development of the NAPBHR by providing consultations, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives for government bodies, employers, and workers’ organizations. Projects such as “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia” (RVC-II), funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, have helped raise awareness of international labour standards and responsible business conduct in Malaysia.
The success of the NAPBHR will depend on ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders, according to national authorities. The ILO has reaffirmed its readiness to support the Ministry of Human Resources and social partners in implementing the labour pillar effectively.
Malaysia has been a member of the ILO since 1957 and has ratified 19 ILO Conventions and one Protocol, with 15 of these conventions currently in force. This new action plan builds on the country’s longstanding engagement with international labour standards and its commitment to advancing decent work.
