Kuala Lumpur: The Roadshow and Seminar on Prevention of Labour Exploitation towards Zero Forced Labour 2030 in the East Coast Zone attracted nearly 300 employers in support of efforts to eliminate forced labour and exploitation. Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) director-general Kamal Pardi said the two-day programme, which began yesterday, aimed to raise awareness and improve compliance with workers’ rights and international labour standards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the roadshow convoy, comprising 20 vehicles, started at the Setia Perkasa Complex in Putrajaya, with the involvement of departments such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO), the Social Security Organisation, the Immigration Department, and the Employees Provident Fund, Kamal stated at a press conference after launching the programme.

Kamal mentioned that the programme also featured seminars involving agencies and companies such as MAPO, covering topics including forced labour and its indicators. The seminars also addressed issues faced by SD Guthrie Berhad and Felda Plantation Management Sdn Bhd concerning the Withhold Release Order (WRO) and foreign worker recruitment.

In addition to the seminars, JTKSM set up a booth on the prevention of labour exploitation at the Temerloh Rest and Recreation area and Tunas Manja Mall in Kuantan, operating from 10 am to 5 pm throughout the programme.

Kamal announced that the roadshow would be expanded to the northern zone of Peninsular Malaysia, starting with Perak, Kedah, and Perlis next month. The programme will take place at the end of May, with Perlis as the final destination, focusing on raising awareness about job scams. Last year, the programme was conducted in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

Meanwhile, Kamal reported that JTKSM conducted 189 enforcement operations between January and March 2025. As a result, a total of 397 investigation papers were opened, and 97 of them were issued with compounds amounting to RM972,200.