DESPITE a ban issued by the US on its glove products, Top Glove Corporation Bhd said that an independent audit on the establishment found no evidence of forced labour practices there.
“The Company has submitted a report, dated March 16, prepared by independent international UK consultant, Impactt Limited (Impactt), to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for review, as well as having taken all the necessary measures required by the CBP to ensure all concerns are addressed.
“Since July last year, Top Glove has engaged Impactt to advise on measures to improve policies and practices.
“Impactt itself issued a statement on March 9, stating they found no systemic forced labour across the eleven International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Indicators in our operations,” it said in a statement to FocusM.
Yesterday, the CBP started seizing the company’s glove products after it was found engaging in forced labour practices.
The CPB Office of Trade, after consulting its Treasury Secretary, published forced labour findings report against disposable gloves produced by Top Glove, in the Customs Bulletin and in the Federal Register.
“We have sufficient information to believe that Top Glove uses forced labour in the production of disposable gloves. Merchandise covered by the forced labour finding is subject to seizure upon arrival at a US port of entry.
“The finding is the result of a months-long CBP investigation aimed at preventing goods made by modern slavery from entering US commerce,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the CBP Commissioner, Troy Miller.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also weighed in on the matter, urging the Government to look into the matter seriously or risk affecting the economy.
On that note, Top Glove said that it is currently studying CBP’s statement, adding its counsel in the US are engaging the US authority.
“The Company is seeking sufficient information to address the matter. We look forward to receiving pertinent information and working with CBP to quickly resolve the matter.
“Top Glove understands the concerns of all our stakeholders including CBP to ensure that forced labour is not present in the manufacturing of gloves and personal protective equipment.
“This is the company’s shared top priority and we seek to resolve any ongoing areas of concern immediately,” it remarked. – March 30, 2021.
