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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
1 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
1. Business Ethics
Guiding Principles: Companies are expected to uphold the highest
standards of integrity and to operate honestly and equitably
throughout the supply chain in accordance with local laws.
Topic Relevant local legislation Benchmark against Guiding
Principles / Practical Guidance
1. Responsible Sourcing of Materials
Review of Local Legislation:
o No direct law exists that addresses procurement as well as
responsible sourcing of materials to the automotive industry
directly.
• Indirect laws on:
• Responsible Extraction: Mineral Development Act 1994 (Act 525)
dictates responsible practices of mining. No mention of
sourcing.
• Ethical Business Practices: Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission Act 2018 is covered under separate guiding principles
within this document
- Scope of the legislation: n/a
- Key points for suppliers:
• Despite the lacking legislation, the GP and PG documents
clearly provide points for suppliers to note, such as:
i. Due diligence with the sourcing and procurement of raw
materials is expected
ii. Due diligence regarding procurement of materials include
ensuring no ethical, human rights and environmental violations were
a result of the raw material extraction and procurement process
iii. Companies may be required to use validated conflict free
smelters and refiners of metal products
• Local suppliers should prepare to adhere to the GP and PG
document’s requirements.
- Relevant highlights:
• Automobile giants have recently set standards on ensuring that
only responsibly-sourced Cobalt is utilised within their supply
chain.
• Bauxite mining in Malaysia has had negative impacts on the
environment and previously been banned for several years, but
recently started operating again – future implication on aluminium
procurement may include responsibly-mined metal procurement.
The Guiding Principles (GP) and Practical
Guidance (PG) on Responsible Sourcing of
Materials have set much more stringent
requirements than our current legislation. In
Malaysia, no such legislation exists as yet.
There are laws on extraction of natural
resources, but the law guides mining activities
to ensure that mines are managed well and not
in a detrimental manner to the surrounding
environment and communities.
There are also laws against corruptive practices
that related to the ethical business procurement
point, however, this is further elaborated in the
‘Anti-Corruption’ section.
It has been highlighted within the ‘Relevant
Issues’ section that local suppliers and
manufacturers should be preparing for
compliance to more stringent requirements
(than Malaysian legislation) from their DRIVE
Sustainability clients.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
2 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• Local manufacturers and suppliers should ensure that they are
putting some thought into the requirements within the GP and PG, in
order to be prepared for stringent requirements that can placed
upon them by DRIVE Sustainability’s brands in the near future.
2. Anti-Corruption Review of Local Legislation:
o Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act
A1567)
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Any person who is involved in an act of corruption, whether
soliciting or being on the receiving end, is punishable by law.
• Any party witnessing and not reporting an incidence of
corruption can be punished by law.
• Amendments to the act include heavier penalties, such as
increased corporate offences (compared to other
offences).Currently, upon conviction of a corruption charge, a
commercial organisation, and potentially the directors,
controllers, officers, partners and those concerned in the
management of its affairs, are liable to fines, imprisonment or
both as well; despite the corruptive action being undertaken by a
junior employee.
- Key Points for Suppliers:
• For Automotive industry, it is important that anti-corruption
topic is discussed at all level including Board, Management and
working level. In Malaysia, Anti-Corruption is a significant
compliance agenda, where any non-compliance results in either
penalty or imprisonment.
• Companies should be aware of the requirements, definition and
scope of “what is considered corruption/bribery”.
• Companies should have their employees educated/trained on
anti-corruption issues, including clear understanding that
non-reporting of a corruption case being an offence.
• Relevant Highlights:
• The link below has detailed up-to-date information of country
and regional based status on corruption and transparency.
• The link is specifically for Malaysia:
https://www.transparency.org/country/MYS
The local legislation requirements is as holistic
and directive as the automotive Guiding
Principle. Generally, the GP requires supplier to
abide to anti-corruption Acts globally, where the
business is/are conducted. Suppliers are
required to practice non-tolerance on corruption
or any form of beneficial transactions.
3. Privacy Review of Local Legislation:
o Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709)
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Under the Act, data users are required to comply with 7
Personal Data Protection Principles as follows:
The local legislation requirements is as holistic
and directive as the automotive Guiding
Principle. Generally the GP requires supplier to
align the company’s data handling to the
following:
https://www.transparency.org/country/MYS
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
3 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
i. Personal data can only be processed with the data subject’s
consent.
ii. Data subjects must be informed by written notice of, among
other things, the type of data being collected and the purpose, its
sources, the right to request access and correction, and the
choices and means by which the data subject can limit the
processing of their personal data.
iii. Personal data may not be disclosed without the data
subject’s consent for any purpose other than that which the data
was disclosed at the time of collection, or to any person other
than that notified to the data user.
iv. Data users must take practical steps to protect the personal
data from any loss, misuse, modification or unauthorized access or
disclosure, alteration or destruction.
v. Personal data shall not be kept longer than is necessary for
the fulfilment of its purpose.
vi. Data users must take reasonable steps to ensure that
personal data is accurate, complete, not misleading and kept up to
date.
vii. Data subjects must be given access to their personal data
and be able to correct any personal data that is inaccurate,
incomplete, misleading or not up to date.
• Maximum fines for the various offences under the Act range
from RM100,000 to RM500,000 per offence. On conviction, offenders
may also be liable to imprisonment.
- Key Points for Suppliers
• In Malaysia, PDPA is the ultimate legislation reference on
data privacy. The legislation provide protection for an
individual's personal information to be processed for the purposes
of commercial transactions. Any information/data or a chain of
information that allows a living individual to be identified are
covered under the Personal Data Protection Act. Examples of data
that can be considered as personal data are: Name and address,
Identification card number, Passport number, Health Information,
E-mail Address, Picture, images recorded by the closed-circuit
television (CCTV), and any information contained in personal
files
• An organization must comply with the Act only if the
organization is "processing" personal data. Personal Data
Protection Act gives definition to the meaning of the word
"processing". "Processing" personal data means doing something
towards the data including collecting, recording, holding, storing,
organising, modifying, disclosing and destroying.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Despite the stringent regulation existing since 2010, there
have been a few big cases of data misappropriation that has
occurred, which highlights that we have room to improve.
• This is the official website for Malaysian Government’s
Department of Personal Data Protection. The website provides latest
updates on phishing methods; case studies and
o Companies are expected to comply with privacy and information
security laws and regulatory requirements in addition to the
contracted terms & conditions. Companies are expected to ensure
that they cascade these principles and contractual obligations in
relation to data privacy to any sub-contractors or Tier 2 suppliers
who will be processing the personal data.
o Companies are expected to refrain from using personal data for
any purposes beyond the scope of the business arrangement.
o Companies are expected to put in place appropriate measures to
respect privacy and to protect personal data against loss and
unauthorized / unauthorised access or use, including confidential,
proprietary and personal information.
o Reasonable actions could be, but are not limited to: the
implementation of policies prohibiting to forward personal data
such as addresses, salary information or photos without permission
of affected persons etc.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
4 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
relevant issues share by other companies. Link to source:
http://www.pdp.gov.my/index.php/en/
4. Financial Responsibility/ Accurate Records
Review of Local Legislation:
o Companies Act 2016 (Act 777)
- Scope of the legislation:
• The act which replaced the original 1965 act came into force
in early 2017 and governs all matters relating to registration,
administration and dissolution of companies in Malaysia, including
shares, administration, AGMs, etc.
• The act includes the requirements to disclose and externally
audit annual financial records.
• The 2018 review of this act included much more stringent
penalties for financial responsibility and record-related
items.
- Key points for suppliers:
• The companies act provides the basic guidelines of the
management of companies from a legal basis, and should be adhered
to.
• Penalties include fines and imprisonment for breaching legal
requirements of the act.
• The act dictates all types of companies, from privately held
to public-listed entities and therefore is applicable to all local
suppliers.
- Relevant Issues:
• There is criticism that the increase of penalties lack
distinction between small and larger entities.
• Amendments are being called for to address the issue of
non-compliance to address lack of difference in the treatment of
privately-owned companies as well as public-listed companies.
o Accountants Act 1967 (Act 94)
- Scope of the legislation:
• The act covers the registration of accountants and the matters
associated with it, as well as responsibility of Accountants in
auditing financial records of companies.
• Penalties, professional ethics and expectation are
included.
• Key points for suppliers:
• Penalties for Accountants that do not act with integrity
include the fine and jail terms.
• Companies and their accountants should not compromise the
financial declarations as penalties will apply.
- Relevant Highlights:
The GP and PG on Financial Responsibility and
Accurate Records incorporate two key points
which are in line with the laws of Malaysia. Both
principles have well-established legislation, and
have been quite well enforced by the Internal
Revenue Board of Malaysia, who look into our
taxes (and the related financial figures).
We do have a long way to go in order to ensure
clean governance, however, with stricter Anti-
Corruption Legislation being established, Anti-
Money Laundering Laws and Government
Procurement standards being discussed, it
would be good to note that the regulations and
enforcement related to Financial Responsibility
and Accurate Records should only be improving
here forth.
http://www.pdp.gov.my/index.php/en/
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
5 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The 1MDB Scandal in Malaysia has highlighted the need for much
more attention to be given to public accounts and governance issues
in the public sector.
• The Internal Revenue board regularly audit the accounts of
businesses as well as individuals; specifically related to tax
declarations.
• It is likely that the stringency of the financial accounting
and reporting will increase, as a tougher stance on corruption is
being shown.
5. Disclosure of Information
Review of Local Legislation:
o The Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2017 (“the Code”)
issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia on 26 April 2017
contains requirements on the disclosure of information.
o The Main Market Listing Requirements (Main LR) by Bursa
Malaysia (the Stock Exchange Regulators) issued amendments on the
related to sustainability statements in annual reports
(Sustainability Amendments), which took effect starting 31 December
2016.requiring all Public Listed Entities to disclose non-financial
and material disclosures.
- Scope of the Code and the Main LR:
• While the Code does not have legislative effect, listed
companies are required, pursuant to the Listing Requirements, to
include in their annual report a statement of their corporate
governance practices. Effectively, listed companies with financial
year ending on 31 December 2017 are expected to report their
compliance around April 2018.
• The main LR were amended to require the disclosure of a
“Sustainability Statement” covering material sustainability
matters: “a listed issuer must include in its annual report, a
narrative statement of the listed issuer’s management of material
economic, environmental and social risks and opportunities”.
- Key points for suppliers:
• At the moment, the disclosure of non-financial requirements
are limited to Public Listed Companies, however, if the impact is
positive, there could be government requirements in the future
• Additionally, penalties may not be set yet, this could occur
in the future.
• Suppliers should aim to prepare for disclosing material
indicators from now, as it is good practice and in line with the GP
and PG documents.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Many global brands have been producing sustainability reports
preceding the Listing Requirements due to pressure from
international parent companies. These companies have
well-established initiatives.
• Local suppliers can aim to prepare themselves even if there is
no legal requirement.
Since 2016, Bursa Malaysia has steadily made
Sustainability Reporting a mandatory
requirement for public-listed companies. There
are no pre-requisite topics to be disclosure, and
no penalty for choosing not to disclose data. In
the automotive industry, it is not uncommon for
the local sustainability reports to be lacking
details, despite the international parent
company having comprehensive and balanced
report. Additionally, suppliers, which are not
public-listed companies, are under little to no
obligation to disclose information on a voluntary
basis.
Both the Code and amended Listing
Requirements are in line with the Guiding
Principles and Principal Guidance, where
companies are expected to disclose financial
and non-financial information in accordance
with applicable regulations and prevailing
industry practices.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
6 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
6. Fair Competition/ Anti-Trust
Review of Local Legislation:
o Competition Act 2010 (Act 712)
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Relevant provisions for the prohibition of anti-competitive
agreements and the abuse of dominant position by major market
players, and has been in force since 1 January 2012.
• All suppliers engaging in commercial activities including the
GLCs are subject to this law. Commercial activity is defined in
Section 3 (4) of the Act.
- Key points for suppliers:
• The Competition Act 2010 does not provide for any imprisonment
for cartel practices. However, Section 41 of the Act provides for a
leniency regime with a reduction of up to a maximum of 100% of any
penalties that would be otherwise imposed. In essence, the leniency
program is designed to encourage those who are involved in cartel
practices to whistle blow by cooperating with the Commission in
identifying the infringement.
As stated in the Guiding Principles and similarly
in the Principles Guidelines, companies are
expected to uphold standards of fair business
and conduct business in accordance with all
applicable anti-trust or anti-competition laws
and regulations.
In Malaysia, the Competition Act 2010 has been
established to monitor the Guiding Principle and
Principles Guidelines mentioned above. This
Act is well established, and by Malaysian
standards, relatively well enforced.
7. Conflicts of Interest Review of Local Legislation:
o Companies Act 2016
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Relevant content on the conflicts of interest involving
directors and indemnification of directors of the companies which
came into force on 31 January 2017.
• The Act embodies common law principles on the duty to avoid
conflict, requiring directors of the companies to exercise their
powers for the purpose of which they are conferred, and not to
advance any personal interest due to their position as
directors.
- Key points for suppliers:
• When directors of the companies have an interest in a contract
or proposed contract with the companies (whether directly or
otherwise), they are required to declare such interest at a
directors’ meeting. Additionally, disclosure is required if a
conflict may potentially arise by virtue of a director’s office or
property.
• Besides, where a director may benefit or gain profit from his
position, he is required to obtain consent or ratification at a
general meeting.
According to the Guiding Principles, companies
are expected to conduct business in a manner
that avoids any appearance of impropriety.
Moreover, the Practical Guidelines emphasised
that companies are expected to make decisions
based on solid business judgment unclouded by
favouritism resulting from personal relations and
opinions.
In line with this, the Act stated that while
multiple directorships are not absolutely
prohibited in Malaysia, a director should
nevertheless be mindful of conflict, given that a
director has a statutory obligation to always act
in the best interest of the company.
8. Counterfeit Parts Review of Local Legislation:
o Trade Descriptions Act 2011,
- Scope of the Legislation:
Relevant provisions of the Act and the Order
and the requirements of the Guiding Principles
and Practical Guidance are similar in terms of
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
7 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• Relevant provisions of information for protection and
enforcement in counterfeiting cases which came into force on 1
November 2011.
• The Act protects the interest of consumers and promotes good
trade practices by prohibiting false trade descriptions and false
or misleading statements, conduct and practices in relation to the
supply of goods and services.
- Key points for suppliers:
• The Trade Descriptions Act is a powerful tool for enforcing
trademark rights, which enables the registered owner of a trademark
to lodge complaints with the ministry. Following a raid, which does
not require a warrant, the ministry may prosecute the suspected
counterfeiters on the advice of the attorney general’s
chambers.
- Relevant Highlights:
• In June 2018, the tactic of premises selling fake Kia and
Hyundai car replacement parts around Shah Alam, Gombak and Puchong,
Selangor, was uncovered after the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Cooperatives and Consumerism raided the premises. In this
operation, 123 fake replacement parts of various types such as oil
filters, air filters, fuel filters and timing belts worth about
RM24, 060 were confiscated. The case was being investigated under
Section 8 (2) (b) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. Those
convicted face a RM10,000 fine for each of fake item sold, or
imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
o Price Control (Labelling by Manufacturers, Importers,
Producers or Wholesalers) Order 1980.
- Scope of the Legislation:
• The Order makes it mandatory for goods to carry details of the
manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, and producer – and in the case
of imported goods – country of origin. These details on counterfeit
goods are normally fictitious or inaccurate.
- Key points for suppliers:
• If so, such products may be seized by the ministry, which is
empowered to enforce such provisions under the Order.
- Relevant Highlights:
• In the wake of the implementation of the Sales and Services
Tax (SST) since Sept 1, 2018, the Domestic Trade and Consumer
Affairs ministry has visited and inspected several premises
nationwide to ensure traders comply with SST and not take advantage
of the tax mechanism by raising the price of goods.
the basic principles for counterfeit parts, where
companies are expected to minimise the risk of
introducing counterfeit/diverted parts into
deliverable products.
The Practical Guidance, on another hand, has
more requirements for the companies in terms
of establishment of effective mechanisms to
avoid the usage of and to inspect for counterfeit
parts. If detected, the Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM), customer and/or law
enforcement should be notified as appropriate.
9. Intellectual Property Review of Local Legislation:
o Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (Amendment) Act
2018,
- Scope of the Legislation:
Malaysian intellectual property laws are similar
to the Guiding Principles, the laws of other
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
8 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• An Act to amend the Intellectual Property Corporation of
Malaysia Act 2002 and provide intellectual property protection in
Malaysia.
o Patents Act 1983 (Act 291):
- Scope:
• In accordance with TRIPs, under the scope of compulsory
licence, the Act allows for importation of patented products that
are already in other countries' market (parallel import).
• The Government can prohibit commercialisation of patents due
to public order or morality.
o Trade Marks Act 1976 (Act 175):
- Scope:
• In accordance with TRIPs, Malaysia prohibits the registration
of well-known trademarks by unauthorised persons.
• The government provides for border measures to prohibit
counterfeit trademarks from being imported into Malaysia.
o Industrial Designs Act 1996 (Act 552):
- Scope:
• To be eligible for registration, industrial designs must be
new and do not include a method of construction or design that is
dictated solely by function.
• The design of the article must not be dependent upon the
appearance of another article of which it forms an integral
part.
o Layout Designs and Integrated Circuit Act 2000 (Act 601):
- Scope:
• The Act allows action to be taken by the owner if such rights
recognised under the Act have been infringed.
• The right can also be transferred either partly or wholly by
way of assignment, licence, wills or through the enforcement of
law.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies that wish to invest or trade in Malaysia should
consider registered their rights in Malaysia. As Intellectual
Property rights are generally territorial, one should take all
steps to secure their rights before investing or trading. For
example, if a foreign entity discovers that a local company is
trading in the same trademark as the former and earlier than the
former in Malaysia, the former should consider using another
trademark or purchase the said trademark from the latter if there
is no element of misappropriation.
- Relevant Highlights:
Commonwealth countries and more or less in
accordance with international practice.
Apart from being a member of the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and a
signatory to the Paris Convention and Berne
Convention, which govern these intellectual
property rights, Malaysia's intellectual property
laws are in conformance with international
standards and have been reviewed by the
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPs) Council periodically.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
9 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• As of March 2, 2019, Malaysia is in the process of acceding to
the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the
International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol), an
international treaty administered by the International Bureau of
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). It allows a
trademark owner to seek protection of the trademark in several
countries simultaneously by filing one application with a single
office, in one language and by paying one fee.
• The proposed Trademark Bill 2019 supports Malaysia’s
obligation under the Madrid Protocol. It is anticipated that
amendments will be made to the Trade Mark Act 1976 to incorporate
the changes, among others, as below:
i. Practical monetisation of trademark as an intellectual
property asset for business
ii. Intellectual property ownership rights, single enforcement
procedures and regulations to be made simpler and easier for
implementation by stakeholders with the 12- or 18-month period
under Stage 3 of International Trademark Registration Process to be
revised to nine months or shorter to avoid delay
10. Export Controls and Economic Sanctions
Review of Local Legislation:
o Strategic Trade Act 2010 (Act 708)
- Scope of the legislation:
• The act controls export, transhipment, transit and brokering
of strategic items, including arms and related material and other
items that may facilitate the design, development and production of
weapons for mass destruction, and their delivery systems
• This act was established due to the United Nations (UN)
membership and UN Security Council requirements to adhere to UN
sanctioned nations.
- Key points for suppliers
• Due to the possible of supplier parts including electronics
and motor parts being utilised in vehicles or equipment that can
facilitate ‘mass destruction’, companies should be wary of ensuring
that their products are declared correctly
• Businesses or individuals must obtain a permit / broker
registration certificate from the relevant Authorities and keep
records of transactions and relevant documents for a period
required by the law for items listed
• Violation include fines, imprisonment and even the death
penalty.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Due to the control on permits by the government and higher
levels of governance on the matter as well as through port security
control mechanisms, there were not many automotive specific samples
of company policies found.
Overall, Malaysia, as a member of the United
Nations must adhere to the UN SC’s sanctions,
and the Strategic Trade Act provides legislation
on this. The Customs act is used for the overall
import and export controls, and from a
legislative sense, we have clearly dictated
regulations that match to the GP and PGs from
DRIVE Sustainability.
Due to import and exportation being controlled
by permits, licences and permission from the
Ministry of International Trade and Industry, as
well as security controls at the Ports, there are
controls that exist from a governance level.
However, again, as corruptive practices are a
common occurrence in the country, the
increased legislation last year on Anti-
Corruption should assist in ensuring better
controls for exports and sanction items
adherence.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
10 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
o Customs Act 1967 (Act 235)
- Scope of the legislation:
• The act covers the customs related dealings, including customs
charges, prohibitions and permits required, as well as penalties
related to the business of importing and exporting and its
controls.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Penalties do apply for goods that have not been declared
properly, are prohibited, do not have the correct licence etc.
• Customs checks are conducted at ports at random, therefore
adherence is strongly advised to suppliers.
- Relevant Highlights:
• In the first two-months of 2019 alone, 325 cases of smuggling
alcohol and cigarettes into our Ports was recorded. The Customs
department are working to tighten their enforcement to combat
corruption which it sees as the route cause.
• The Royal Customs Department has set up a new Customs Internal
Investigations Unit this January to monitor their officers and
ensure abuse of power and corruptive practices within the
organisation.
o Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) since 1992
- Scope of the agreement:
• This trade agreement was drawn up to provide free trade
agreement between all of the Asean countries, to promote regional
economic growth and attract foreign investors.
- Key points for suppliers:
• The AFTA has been a strong force behind the growth of the
local automotive industry.
• This is especially evident with parts manufacturing as well as
trading.
- Relevant Issue:
• The AFTA has attracted several DRIVE Sustainability brand’s
component manufacturing to Malaysia.
On a company/business level, a general search
into company policies on export controls and
sanction adherence yielded limited results,
therefore, this could be a clear area where local
manufacturers and suppliers can aim to improve
on should this guideline or policy not exist
internally yet. Providing clearly drawn policies
on trade controls and sanction management
can be helpful for new, foreign as well as all
staff to refer to in an easy manner.
11. Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation
Review of Local Legislation:
o Whistleblowers Act 2010 (Act 711)
- Scope of the legislation:
• This act was enacted to combat corruption and other
wrongdoings in the public as well as private sector.
The GP and PG requirements of the Protection
of Identity and Non-Retaliation are more
stringent than stated in the legislation of
Malaysia. Although officially our legislations say
the right thing, in practice there are many
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
11 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• It aims to encourage and facilitate the disclosure of improper
conduct
• It also aims to protect the individuals making the disclosures
from detrimental action (including immunity from civil and criminal
action), with the intention ensuring proper investigation may be
conducted
- Key points for suppliers:
• It is important to note that employees who opt to report on
company have the legal grounding to be reinstated or
compensated
• Reports can include illegal operations and violations of
employee rights for example
- Relevant Highlights:
• Criticism of the law: While the law applies to both public and
private sector;
i. One can only disclose to a government enforcement agency (it
is illegal to share with anyone else)
ii. If it concerns government and is considered a ‘secret’, you
could be penalised under the Official Secrets Act 1972
iii. The protection is revoked if the whistleblower is found to
be involved.
• An example of Whistleblowing backfiring was in 2016 when a
then opposition politician enclosed the 1MDB audit report, but then
got charged under the OSA a prison sentence (since changed to a
good behaviour bond).
• There have been statements made to review the existing law due
to the criticism received.
o Malaysia Code on Corporate Governance
- Scope of the Code:
• This code was produced by the Securities Commission (SC) of
Malaysia for all listed companies
• This code requires a clear and fair grievance mechanism be set
up
- Key points for suppliers:
• While this may not directly relate to suppliers, it could be
considered to enact, as this is good practice.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Recently, there was complaints by migrant workers at several
glove manufacturing companies regarding working hours as well as
not receiving salaries. These companies supplied rubber products to
European brands, who then placed pressure due to backlash in
Europe, rather than immediate action by local authorities here.
o Malaysian Employee Federation (MEF) Guideline
- Scope of the Guidelines:
concerns that arise due to other laws such as
the Official Secrets Act and even provisions
within the Whistleblowers Act.
Most companies have a grievance mechanism
process, however, in terms of data on retaliation
is now known in detail, especially as grievances
are likely not reported by more vulnerable
sectors of the population such as migrant
workers. This has been attributed to fear,
language barriers and through witnessing other
cases of retaliation occur.
Calls to reform the Whistleblower act will
hopefully address the gaps in the current
legislation and result in a better managed
grievance mechanism in Malaysia.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
12 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• This guideline was produced in 2014 with the intention of
ensuring good governance practices by employees on migrant
workers.
• The guidelines includes research on statistics, and notes the
progress and challenges of responsible handling of migrant workers,
and includes a section on grievance mechanism.
- Key points for suppliers:
• This is a useful guide to read on overall management of
migrant workers.
2. Working Conditions and Human Rights
Guiding Principles: Companies should respect the human rights of
workers, and treat all people with dignity as recognized by the
international community.
Topic Relevant local legislation Benchmark against Guiding
Principles / Practical Guidance
1. Child Labour and Young Workers
Review of Local Legislation:
o Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 (Amendment)
Act 2010
- Scope of the legislation:
• No child (person below 15 years of age) can be engaged in any
employment.
• Young person (below 18 years of age), may be employed in any
office, godown, factory, workshop, store or an industrial
undertaking suitable to his capacity.
• The legislation mandates no young person (below 16 years of
age), be permitted to work for more than six days in a week.
• No young person be required to work between the hours of 8
o’clock in the evening and 6 o’clock in the morning or work more
than four consecutive hours without a period of rest of at least
thirty minutes.
• No child or young person shall be required/permitted to be
engaged in employment contrary to the Factories and Machinery Act
1967, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, or the
Electricity Supply Act 1990, or any employment making him work
underground.
• No child or young person shall be required or permitted to be
engaged in hazardous work.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Suppliers to be aware of the interpretation of what
constitutes children, young persons, and hazardous work, and the
maximum number of days and hours of work for young persons.
Malaysia’s Children and Young Persons
(Employment) Act 1966 (Amendment) act 2010,
for the employment of young persons and
children for hazardous work, and child labour,
are congruent with the principles outlined of the
Guiding Principles.
However, the law does not cover workplace
apprenticeship, student workers, or student
learning programs.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
13 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• Repeat offenders who hire children aged below 15, can be
jailed up to five years, with a maximum fine of up to RM
100,000.
- Relevant Highlights
• In October 2018, the Children and Young Persons Act was
amended to include ten-fold increase in fines for offences
committed. The Human Resource Minister M.Kulasegaran, said in
October 2018 that five cases of child labour have been reported
between 2016 and 2018 with offenders in two cases punished with RM
2,000 fines.
2. Wages and Benefits Review of Local Legislation:
o Employment Act 1955
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Wage period for any employee shall not exceed one month.
• For any overtime work carried out, an employee shall be paid
not less than one and half times his hourly rate.
• For overtime work carried out during National Holiday or on
the Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, an employee shall be
paid not less than three times his hourly rate or less than three
times his ordinary rate per piece, respectively.
• Minimum Wage Order (Amendment) 2018: Standardized minimum wage
rate throughout the country is RM 1,100 and hourly rate is RM 5.29
per hour.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Suppliers should be aware of the conditions within the
Employment Act that specifies Payment of Wages, and that specifies
overtime benefits to the employees.
• Penalties apply for employers that commits an offence in
violation of the Act.
• Local suppliers should understand that DRIVE’s requirements
are more stringent than local legislation.
- Relevant Highlights:
• A 2016 ILO Report state that the enforcement of labour laws on
migrant workers is inadequate with an estimated 350 inspection
officers expected to monitor more than 400,000 places of work.
• Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran said in February 2019,
that he would look into setting different minimum wages according
to sectors due to pressure from Employer-based organisations – this
is not encouraging from a human rights perspective.
Although there has been some breakthrough
this year with the increased minimum wage,
which includes migrant workers, Malaysia still
has a long way to go both in terms of fair wages
and benefits for both local and migrant workers.
The basic points of the GP and PG are covered
within local legislation, however, there are many
gaps in the language of the law itself. For
example, the Employment Act 1955 covers the
overtime compensation for workers, including
working on national holidays. The Minimum
Wage Order (Amendment) 2018, has specified
the minimum wage applicable. However, the
laws do not specify the wage statements to
verify compensation for the work performed for
each pay period.
Additionally, the lack of enforcement on this
guiding principle is not assisting with ensuring
fair treatment, especially of migrant workers
who may fear retaliation.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
14 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• In March 2019, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive
officer Tunku Alizakri Alias said that there is a need for an
in-depth study on salary and wages of Malaysian employees, taking
account of the current cost of living.
• The National Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia, BNM) has
issued multiple reports that indicate the minimum wage (as well as
average wage) in Malaysia is inadequate.
• In December 2018, protests by migrant workers due to unpaid
overtime at a local rubber factory came to light; however, little
is known beyond a government statement that it will take action in
January 2019.
3. Working Hours Review of Local Legislation:
o Employment Act 1955
- Scope of the Legislation:
• An employee shall not be required to work more than five
consecutive hours without a 30 minute period of leisure.
• An employee shall not be required to work more than eight
hours in a day, in excess of a spread over period of ten hours in a
day, or more than forty-eight hours in a week.
• Female workers are not to work in any industrial undertaking
between the hours of ten o’clock in the evening and five o’clock in
the morning.
• An employee may be required by his employer to exceed the
limit of hours prescribed or work on a rest day, if urgent work to
be done to machinery or plant, or work to be performed by employees
in any industrial undertaking essential to the economy of
Malaysia.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Suppliers are to be aware of working hours, especially in
factory or industrial areas where overtime work can be
expected.
• Suppliers are also to note working hours of women (Part VIII)
as outlined by the law.
- Relevant Highlights
• Business Conditions Survey conducted by The Federation of
Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) together with the Malaysian Institute
of Economic Research (MIER) shows that the respondents of the
survey agreed to remove distinction between manual and non-manual
workers, and limit benefits for hours of work, including overtime
and rest day, holiday pay and termination benefits to those earning
less than RM 5,000 a month.
• Also, 26% of the respondents do not agree with any of the
government's proposals to amend the EA.
The Employment Act 1955 outlines the
regulated working hours, leisure period and
maximum consecutive days, with conditions,
which is in congruence with the Guiding
Principles. Employment Act also covers
provisions of employment of female employees
which covers more than what is prescribed in
the Guiding Principles.
According to the Act employees can be made to
work overtime by their employer, and is not
voluntary decision of the employees. This is
incongruent to the Guiding Principles.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
15 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
4. Forced Labour Review of Local Legislation:
o Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act
2007
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Any person who traffics a person or a child, or smuggles a
child for the purpose of exploitation commits an offence, and
shall, on conviction, be punished.
o Passport Act, 1966
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Any person who without lawful authority, has in his possession
any passport or internal travel document issued for a person other
than himself, shall be guilty of an offence.
o Contracts Act 1950
- Scope of the Legislation:
• All agreements are contracts if they made by the consent of
parties competent to contract.
• Two or more persons are said to consent when they agree upon
the same thing in the same sense without coercion, undue influence,
fraud, misinterpretation, and mistake.
o Employment Regulations 1957
- Scope of the Legislation:
• The Register kept by every employer under the Act to contain
particulars of the employees (such as Personal Details, Details of
terms and conditions of employment, Details of wages and allowances
earned during the each wage period). This register to be kept
available for inspection by the Director General.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Suppliers are to take note of foreign labourers and laws
relating to their employment.
• As per the Passport Act, employers should not hold in
possession the passport of the workers employed.
• Contracts are to be made available to employees prior to their
employment, and to be in a language they understand.
• Please refer to the Employment Regulations to understand the
groups of particulars the employees are allowed to hold of the
employees.
- Relevant Highlights
• In March 2019, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia
deputy secretary-general (Policy) Shakib Shakir said that the human
trafficking cases are on the rise in Malaysia. The Anti-Trafficking
in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (MAPO) has
recorded a total of 1,360 cases involving human trafficking victims
placed at shelters throughout 2018.
Malaysian laws specify that agreements made
by the free consent constitute a contract –
which can be between the employer and
employee. As per the Passport Act, it is illegal
to possess passport (identity documents) of
some other person. Anti-trafficking and Anti-
Smuggling Law covers the laws on forced and
bonded labour.
Malaysian law does not specify that employee
identity documents should not be destroyed,
confiscated, concealed, etc. However, it does
specify that employers are required to hold
employee identity documents and make it
available for inspection, when required.
These are in congruence with the Guiding
Principles.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
16 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The Human Resource Minister M.Kulasegaran, said in February
2019, that the U.S. might impose a ban on products made by forced
labour from around the world and there is fear that advanced
economies might follow suit.
• Malaysia has witnessed human trafficking incidents such as
that uncovered at Wang Kelian, Perlis. Malaysia remains in Tier 2
on the watch list of the Trafficking in Persons Report 2018
https://my.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/official-reports/report-trafficking-in-persons-062918/.
5. Freedom of Association
Review of Local Legislation:
o Employment Act 1955
- Scope of the Legislation:
• Nothing in any contract shall restrict employees to join
registered trade unions, participate in its activities, or
associate with other persons for organizing a trade union. [Part II
Section 8]
o Industrial Relations Act 1967
- Scope of the Legislation:
• No person shall interfere, restrain or coerce a workman or an
employer to form or join a trade union and participate in its
lawful activities.
• No employer or trade union of employers, or any person acting
on behalf of an employer or such trade unions shall impose any
condition, refuse, discriminate, dismiss or threaten any person on
the ground that he is or is not a member of a trade union.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Employees and employers alike, are lawfully free to join
unions and associations. Suppliers are to be aware of the rights
and liabilities of Trade Unions. Please refer to The Trade Union
Act 1959 (Act 262) for more details on the same.
• It appears that the three laws listed does not explicitly
state the same rights are awarded to migrant workers.
• However, it should be noted that MNCs are banding together to
push for civil liberties, including freedom of association, which
is estimated to only be enjoyed by 3% of the global population
(https://www.business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/Statement_Public_v2.pdf)
- Relevant Highlights:
• In February 2019, Malaysia's Human Resources Minister M.
Kulasegaran said the Pakatan Harapan government of Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad would propose changes to the country's patchwork
of decades-old labour laws to offer both domestic and foreign
workers
Despite the Industrial Relations Act, Employment Act (and more
loosely, the Trade Union Act) outlining the rights of the employee
to join associations, without reprimand, in reality this is not
always true. The GP state the general requirement for all employees
to have Freedom of Association, however, the Malaysian Government
have not ratified the core ILO Convention on this, and cases of
employee dismissal without apparent reason (except status of union
membership) occur to this day.
It should be noted that while legislation are congruent to the
GP’s requirements, the reality is not the case. Additionally, the
three Acts do not appear to mention the rights of foreign or
migrant workers in joining unions.
https://my.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/official-reports/report-trafficking-in-persons-062918/https://my.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/official-reports/report-trafficking-in-persons-062918/https://www.business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/Statement_Public_v2.pdfhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/sites/default/files/Statement_Public_v2.pdf
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
17 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
more legal protection. The government is consulting labour
groups, including the Malaysian Trade Union Congress and
International Labour Organisation (ILO) for these reforms.
• Almost one year later and there remains little signals of the
new Government’s support on the ILO Convention on Freedom of
Association and Protection of the Right to Organise.
6. Health & Safety Review of Local Legislation:
o Act 514 - Occupational Safety And Health Act 1994
- Scope of the Legislation
• The legislation requires all employers with more than five
employee to formulate a written Occupational Safety and Health
Policy at the workplace.
• Section 30 – It is compulsory for employers who have 40 or
more workers to establish a safety and health committee or
otherwise directed by the Director General of OSH
• Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous
Chemicals) Regulations 2013 Part 4 on Labelling: A supplier need to
label every packaging of a hazardous chemical legibly and
indelibly. The labelling should be in the national language and
English language.
• Occupational Safety And Health (Safety and Health Officer)
Order 1997 [RU (A) 316]: No person to act as a Safety and Health
Officer unless registered with DOSH Director General
o Guidelines On Occupational Safety And Health In The Service
Sector, Department of Occupational Safety and Health
- Scope of the Act/Regulations
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - it will be necessary to
provide protective clothing and/or equipment
• At least one emergency exit should be provided. The employer
should, however, make an assessment as to whether additional
emergency exits are required. Such exits should be suitably
positioned with due regard for the operational layout and should
not be obstructed by racking, stock or equipment.
- Key Points for Suppliers
• In Malaysia, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
ultimate legislation reference on OSH matters. It was enacted on
25th February 1994 with the intent to ensure safety, health and
welfare of all persons at all places of work. It is hoped that this
document would contribute to the promotion of safety and health
culture in Malaysian workplaces. It requires all companies to
establish and document:
i. Safety and health policy,
ii. Duties of the employer, employees and the safety and health
officers,
The local legislation requirements is more
detailed and directive as compared to the
automotive Guiding Principle. Generally the GP
requires supplier to align the company’s OSH
matters to the following:
o Health and safety related information such as emergency
procedures and potential safety hazards should be made known to the
worker and should be posted within the facility in a language well
understood by the worker.
o Required personal protective equipment should be provided by
the company and made easily accessible.
o Companies should ensure that all required permits, licenses,
inspection and testing reports are in place, up to date and
available as required by law.
o Companies should ensure that emergency exits as well as fire
detection, alarm and suppression
o Systems are in place and operational at all times. Fire and
evacuation drills should be performed according to local law.
o Companies should implement a machine-safeguarding program
including adequate training for workers.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
18 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
iii. The safety and health committee of companies, and
iv. Occupational safety and health inspections and officers.
• The provision of the Act 514 is based on the self-regulation
approach to suit with the particular industry or organization and
to establish effective safety and health organization and
performance. Its primary responsibility is to ensure safety and
health of work lies with those who create the risks, and those who
work with the risks.
- Additionally related acts:
• Act 139 - Factories And Machinery Act 1967 (Revised - 1974)
Incorporating latest amendment - Act A1268 of the year 2006
• Act 341 - Fire Services Act 1988 Incorporating all amendments
up to 1 October 2009
- Related Highlights:
• This is the official website for Malaysian Government’s
Department of Occupational Health and Safety which provides
information on detailed local legislations, updates on OHS and
latest local statistics. Link to source:
http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/en/
7. Harassment Review of Local Legislation:
o Employment Act 1955
- Scope of the Act/Regulations
• The scope details the definition: "―sexual harassment means
any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal,
non-verbal, visual, gestural or physical, directed at a person
which is offensive or humiliating or is a threat to his well-being,
arising out of and in the course of his employment;"
• This definition echoes the longer, more comprehensive
description of sexual harassment in the Code of Practice on the
Prevention and Eradication of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace,
which is a voluntary code issued by the Malaysian Government in
1999 for the purposes of providing guidance to employers in dealing
with sexual harassment in the workplace.
• The scope defines that: “an employer who fails to inquire into
complaints of sexual harassment; inform the complainant of the
refusal and reasons behind it; or, submit a report of the inquiry,
can be fined up to RM10,000”
• Part XVA, which applies to all employees irrespective of their
wages, creates a complaints mechanism for sexual harassment for
employees in the workplace.
• Specifically, it requires employers to inquire into any
complaints relating to sexual harassment made by an employee
against another employee or an employer, and vice versa.
The local legislation requirements is less
detailed and directive as compared to the
automotive Guiding Principle. Generally the GP
requires supplier to align the company’s take on
harassment topic with the following:
Companies should ensure that there is no harsh
and inhumane treatment including any sexual
harassment, sexual abuse, corporal
punishment, mental or physical coercion or
verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the
threat of any such treatment. Disciplinary
policies and procedures in support of these
requirements should be clearly defined and
communicated to workers.
http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/en/
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
19 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
o Penal Code Act 574
- Scope of the Legislation
• The scope defines that: "Whoever, intending to insult the
modesty of any person, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture,
or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be
heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen by such person,
or intrudes upon the privacy of such person, shall be punished with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine
or with both.
- Key Points for Suppliers
• Generally in Malaysia, the take on harassment is more reactive
than proactive. The legislation does mention the types and impact
of harassment within the working environment. However, the need for
written disciplinary policies and procedures are not
compulsory.
• The best procedure to depend on as an alternative is to have
harassment cases reported and investigated through whistleblowing
mechanism, with support of Employment Act 1995.
• At the moment the local legislation does not clearly define
harassment, apart from sexual harassment, however this law defines
personal attacks from legal point.
o Communications and Multimedia Act 588
- Scope of the Legislation
• The scope defines prohibits harassment an online inclusion
abuse
• This does not apply to in-person harassment.
- Related Highlights:
• Sexual Harassment Act - The Ministry of Women, Family, and
Community Development is currently awaiting the results of a study
that looked into existing laws. These results will work as a
guideline to improve existing policies and help form the Sexual
Harassment Act.
• This is the official website for National Human Resource
Centre of Malaysia. Main discussion in the link is managing sexual
harassment at workplace, guide for HR practitioners.
Link:http://www.nhrc.com.my/rss/-/asset_publisher/hCox5XdI5nGy/blog/id/2924455
• It should be noted that ‘bullying’ is not outlawed in
Malaysia, yet, workplace (and school) ‘bullying’ is rarely reported
due to the lack of support victims receive; until and unless there
is direct and substantial evidence.
8. Non-Discrimination Review of Local Legislation:
o Employment Act 1967
- Scope of the legislation:
The GP for Non-Discrimination are much more
stringent than that of the local legislation of
http://www.nhrc.com.my/rss/-/asset_publisher/hCox5XdI5nGy/blog/id/2924455http://www.nhrc.com.my/rss/-/asset_publisher/hCox5XdI5nGy/blog/id/2924455
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
20 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The law covers the employment
• This includes migrant workers, but to a lesser extent, as it
highlights preference of local employees based on nationality
rather than merit
- Key points for suppliers:
• It should be noted that complaints on discrimination can be
made by both local and foreign employees against companies and the
ministry have the right to investigate the matters
- Relevant Highlights
• As the review of the employment act takes place, many calls
for improved employment conditions have been made.
• The National Bank of Malaysia (BNM) has called for a reform of
the employment sector to increase wages and end discriminative
practices.
• Trade unions have called for increased wages and fair
treatment.
• NGOs and Human rights groups have called for higher
remuneration, gender equality as well as equal treatment of migrant
workers.
• The potential ratification of the Comprehensive and
Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will
have an impact on the ratification status of ILO core conventions –
including the yet-to-be ratified non-discrimination convention
(C111).
o Industrial Relations Act 1967 (Act 177)
- Scope of the legislation:
• The law is intended to promote and maintain industrial harmony
and provide the regulation of the relations between employers and
workmen and their trade unions
• As well as the prevention and settlement of any differences or
disputes arising from their relationship and generally to deal with
trade disputes and matters arising therefrom
• The law states the no discrimination should arise amongst
employers and employees in any circumstances
- Key points for suppliers:
• It should be noted that all workers, including foreign
workers, are allowed to join unions
• No discrimination should occur based on any employees status
as a union member or not
- Relevant Highlights:
• Labour unions have been calling for better employment
conditions such as pay, and less discrimination on many areas,
including gender, race, religion and even age.
o Human Rights Commission Act 1999 (Act 597)
- Scope of the legislation:
Malaysia. Although the Malaysian constitution
and legislation prohibits discrimination, the
lacking enforcement and the not-clearly defined
‘discrimination’ has resulted in the continued
practice of discrimination in both the public and
private sectors.
Discrimination occurs locally in terms of race,
religion and gender as well as nationality, in
relation to foreign migrant workers. We have a
long way to go and the basic rights are often
questionable. The review of the Employment
Act will hopefully address all the issues,
especially with better treatment of foreign
workers.
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
21 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The formation of the HR Commission in 1999 with the purpose to
set out the powers and functions of such commission for the
protection and promotion of human rights in Malaysia
• To provide for matters connected therewith or incidental
thereto; and have the power to create regulations with the purpose
of conducting the provisions of the act
• The 2015 Strategic Framework for a National Policy on Business
and Human Rights for Malaysia was drafted and includes
recommendations to combat gender discrimination as well as migrant
worker exploitation
• Known locally as SUHAKAM
- Key points for suppliers:
• The document called for the ratification of all basic Human
Rights Covenants and ILO Conventions by the Malaysian
Government.
• The ratification of the ICERD has been denied due to a huge
backlash of the Malay majority, however the CRC, CEDAW and the CRPD
have been ratified.
• Suppliers should note that the GP are more stringent and they
should create policies to meet the GPs requirements.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Since its establishment in 1999, no formal regulations have
appeared to have been made – this may be due to political
restrictions
- On the two points within the Practical Guidance document,
• Medical Testing of Potential Worker for the Purpose of
Discrimination: There is a code that prevents discrimination of a
person with HIV, however no law exists for refusing to hire a
potential worker.
• Provision of Reasonable Accommodations for Religious Practice
of Workers: This is usually included within the Planning Approval
of buildings, therefore most buildings (unless located within a
very close distance to a prayer facility) will contain a prayer
room each for Muslim employees of both genders.
3. Environment
Guiding Principles: Companies are expected to support a
proactive approach to environmental responsibility by protecting
the environment, conserving natural resources and reducing the
environmental footprint of their production, products and services
throughout their life-cycle.
Topic Relevant local legislation Benchmark against Guiding
Principles / Practical Guidance
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
22 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
General o Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 (Act 127)
- Scope of the Legislation:
• The Act restricts the following:
i. Pollution of the atmosphere
ii. Noise pollution
iii. Pollution of the soil
iv. Pollution of inland waters
• The Act prohibits the following:
i. Discharge of oil into Malaysian waters
ii. Discharge of wastes into Malaysian waters
iii. Open burning
iv. Placing, deposit, etc., of scheduled wastes
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the requirements and penalty
outlined in the Regulation and refer to corresponding Regulations
for specific acceptable conditions of emissions, discharge and etc.
set up by the Department of Environment.
The Act provides high-level requirements that
supported the following Guiding Principles:
Water Quality & Consumption
Air Quality
Natural Resources Management & Waste
Reduction
Responsible Chemical Management
Kindly refer to the section below to understand
how regulations under the Environmental
Quality Act 1974 benchmark against the
abovementioned Guiding Principles.
1. Energy Consumption & Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Review of Local Legislation:
o Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 725)
- Scope of the Policy:
• The Policy applies to renewable energy producers with an
installed capacity of not more than thirty megawatt or such higher
installed capacity as may be approved by the Minister are eligible
to apply for a feed-in approval allowing the producers to
participate in the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system.
• Effective on 1st January 2019, the new Net Energy Metering
(NEM) Scheme announced under the 2016 budget is replacing the FiT
system. The NEM Scheme will allow excess solar PV generated energy
to be exported back to the grid on a "one-on-one" offset basis.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Under the Act and the latest NEM Scheme, automotive parts
suppliers who adopted renewable energy generations (e.g. solar
panel) could be able to save electricity cost, hedge against
electricity tariff increase and realise return from investing in
renewable energy, as a response to the government target towards
achieving 20% renewable energy mix in Malaysia by 2025.
According to the Guiding Principles under
Energy Consumption & Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, companies are expected to
implement a comprehensive energy reduction
strategy and management programme while
increasing use of renewable energy.
The Renewable Energy Act 2011 does not
require companies to track and document
energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emission. It also does not require companies to
formulate and operationalise energy reduction
and management programme towards reducing
their energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions. The main objective of the policy is to
provide an avenue for companies to adopt
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
23 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE) programme, a
Solar Leasing Concept where users will be able to lease the solar
panels and install them at their households without the need of
paying for the system. Users can enjoy zero upfront cost to install
photovoltaic (PV) panels, and payment for the monthly leasing fee
or solar energy usage can be made to the solar company involved via
TNB bills.
- Relevant Highlights:
• Upcoming legislation:
i. Energy Efficiency & Conservation Act: The government is
in the midst of drafting the Act and it is expected to be tabled in
the Parliament in mid-2019. The government will also review the
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2016-2025.
ii. Climate Change Act: The government is expected to table the
Act in 2021. Alongside with the Act, the government aimed to
complete and announce a national climate change adaptation and
mitigation plan by end of 2019.
renewable energy, resulting reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in their operations.
Moreover, the Practical Guidance set further
requirement that companies shall set targets on
energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions as well as reduce greenhouse gas
emissions beyond manufacturing operations to
raw materials extraction, transportation and
end-of-life operations.
2. Water Quality & Consumption
Review of Local Legislation:
o Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009
under the EQA 1974.
- Scope of the Regulation:
• The Regulation applies to any premises which discharge or
release industrial effluent or mixed effluent, onto or into any
soil, or into inland waters or Malaysian waters. No work on any
premises that may result in a new source of discharge or causes
material change in the quantity of the discharge or release is
allowed without prior written notification to the Director
General.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the requirements, acceptable
conditions for the discharge of industrial effluent or mixed
effluent and penalty outlined in the Regulation and ensure proper
housekeeping in managing industrial effluent or mixed effluent
within premises.
- Relevant Highlights:
• In July 2015, licenses of 34 contractors in bauxite mining
were revoked by the Pahang government due to concerns over
pollution at coastal waters and air from bauxite residue and dust.
In December 2016, RM30 million is contributed by the Kuantan Port
Consortium to clean up the pollution.
• This April, the government lifted the ban on bauxite mining in
the Kuantan region.
According to the Guiding Principles under
Water Quality & Consumption, companies are
expected to effectively reduce, reuse and
recycle water with responsible treatment of
wastewater discharges to protect the
environment and improve overall water quality.
The Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent)
Regulations 2009 only focuses on overall water
quality by setting the acceptable industrial
effluent conditions for companies’ industrial
effluent.
Moreover, the Practical Guidance set further
requirement that companies are expected to
conduct water stress assessment in operations
and throughout the life cycle of the business. It
also expects companies to establish target for
water reduction and integrate water
management into overall business plan.
3. Air Quality Review of Local Legislation:
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
24 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
o Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014 under EQA
1974
- Scope of the Regulation:
• The Regulation applies to any premises used for any industrial
or trade purposes, industrial plant and fuel burning equipment that
discharges or is capable of discharging air pollutions into the
open air. No work on any premises that may result in a new source
of emissions or causes material change in the quantity of the
emission from an existing source is allowed without prior written
notification to the Director General.
• The Regulation requires every premise to be equipped with Air
Pollution Control System (APCS) that is designed and constructed by
a professional engineer in accordance with the specification as
determined by the Director General. APCS shall be operated by a
competent person who shall be on duty at all times during operation
hour.
• The Regulation requires any activity or industry listed in the
First Schedule (e.g. fuel burning boilers with a total capacity
> 10MW) incorporate measures to reduce the emission of air
pollutants to the atmosphere in accordance with the Best Available
Techniques Economically- Achievable (BAT) determined by the
Director General.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the requirements, limit value and
technical standards and penalty outlined in the Regulation and
ensure proper housekeeping in managing emissions within
premises.
- Relevant Highlights:
• The recent Sungai Kim Kim pollution was attributed to a tyre
factory, with two directors of the company being charged in
relation to air and water pollution (based on the Clean Air and the
Industrial Effluent Regulations.
According to the Guiding Principles, companies
are expected to routinely monitor, appropriately
control, minimise, and to the extent possible,
eliminate emissions contributing to local air
pollution.
The Environmental Quality (Clean Air)
Regulations 1978 sets requirements on air
emissions (e.g. air pollution control system)
similar to the Guiding Principles as well as
Practical Guidance.
4. Natural Resources Management and Waste Reduction
Review of Local Legislation:
o Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005
under EQA 1974
- Scope of the Regulation:
• The Regulation requires every waste generator to ensure that
scheduled wastes generated by him are properly stored, treated
on-site, recovered on-site for material or product from such
scheduled wastes or delivered to and received at prescribed
premises for treatment, disposal or recovery of material or product
from scheduled wastes.
• The Regulation requires every waste generator to ensure that
scheduled waste that are subjected to movement or transfer be
packaged, labelled and transported in accordance with the
guidelines prescribed by the Director General.
According to the Guiding Principles, companies
are expected to encourage and support the use
of sustainable, renewable natural resources
while reducing waste and increasing reuse and
recycling.
The Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes)
Regulations 2005 as well as the Customs Order
in relation to export and import only focuses on
storage, treatment, recovery and transnational
movement of wastes that are categorised as
scheduled waste whereas the Guiding
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
25 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The Regulation requires every waste generator to keep an
inventory of schedule wastes in accordance with the Fifth Schedule
for a period up to three years from the date the scheduled wastes
was generated.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the requirements, waste
categorised as scheduled wastes listed in the First Schedule and
penalty outlined in the Regulation and ensure proper housekeeping
in managing scheduled waste within premises.
- Relevant Highlights:
• In March 2019, illegal dumping of scheduled waste was found in
Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, Johor, which has resulted close to
4,000 people seeking medical treatment. A total of 111 schools at
vicinity of the dumping area have been order to close until further
notice.
• [Refer to Bauxite Mining Pollution in Kuantan stated in
‘Industrial Effluent’ section]
o Customs (Prohibition of Export) Order 1998 (Amended in 2017)
under Customs Act 1967
- Scope of the Order:
• Toxic and/or hazardous wastes are listed as Part I of the
Third Schedule. This means exportation of the goods is prohibited
except it is accompanied by a letter of approval issued by or on
behalf of the Director General of Environmental Quality.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the Order if exportation of
hazardous wastes occurred as part of the operations.
o Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1998 (Amended in 2017)
under Customs Act 1967
- Scope of the Order:
• Toxic and/or hazardous wastes are listed as Part I of the
Third Schedule. This means importation into Malaysia of the goods
is prohibited except it is accompanied by a letter of approval
issued by or on behalf of the Director General of Environmental
Quality [Clause 6]
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the Order if importation into
Malaysia of hazardous wastes occurred as part of the
operations.
Principles focuses on sustainable use of natural
resources while reducing waste and increasing
reuse and recycling of waste in general.
Moreover, the Practical Guidance set further
requirement that companies are expected to set
waste reduction target and take in consideration
the health and safety of employees and the
local communities associated with all waste
(including scheduled waste) generated by the
companies.
5. Responsible Chemical Management
Review of Local Legislation:
o Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standard of Exposure
of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 under
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
- Scope of the Regulation:
According to the Guiding Principles, companies
are expected to identify, minimise or eliminate
the use of restricted substances in
manufacturing processes and finished products
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LEGISLATION SUMMARY: MALAYSIA
Expectations towards suppliers as defined in the Guiding
Principles and local legislation
26 | L e g i s l a t i o n S u m m a r y
• The Regulation requires an employer to identify and record all
chemicals hazardous to health used in workplace.
• The Regulation requires an employer to ensure that the
exposure of any person to any chemical hazardous to health are
within permissible exposure limit.
• The Regulation requires an employer to conduct risk assessment
if it is likely that any employee is likely to expose to any
chemical hazardous to health before carrying out any work. An
employer shall control chemicals hazardous as well as conduct
monitoring of exposure and health surveillance programme if the
risk assessment report indicated that these actions are
required.
- Key points for suppliers:
• Companies should be aware of the requirements on chemical
hazardous to health, outlined in the Regulation and ensure proper
housekeeping in managing chemical hazardous to health within
premises.
to ensure regulatory compliance. Companies
should also be aware of any use of reportable
substances in processes and finished products,
and actively investigate suitable substitutes.
The Guiding Principles also highlighted
expectation on minimising and eliminating the
use of restricted substances in manufacturing
processes and finished products.
Moreover, the Practical Guidance set further
expectation on collecting data in relation to
chemical management, such as establishing
programmes to collect data from material
manufacturers for all components, measuring
data completeness against bill of materials and
taking corrective measures to assure data is
traceable to the material manufactures.