KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia's government and companies must address mounting allegations of workplace abuse of migrant labourers who fuel the country's economy, or face risks to its export-reliant growth model, experts warn.
Malaysia has for decades banked on migrant workers to power mainstay manufacturing and agriculture, becoming an integral part of the global supply chain for products as diverse as semiconductors, iPhone components, medical gloves and palm oil.
But as the reliance on foreign labour has increased, so have complaints of abusive working and living conditions for workers, who come mainly from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Southeast Asia's third-biggest economy must reform its labour laws and improve enforcement, while companies should invest to ensure better conditions, said 11 analysts, ratings agencies, researchers, corporate consultants and activists interviewed by Reuters.
In the past two years, seven Malaysian firms, including the world's biggest glove maker and palm oil producer, have faced U.S. import bans over allegations of forced labour. Last month, high-tech home-appliance maker Dyson Ltd cut ties with its biggest supplier, a Malaysian firm, over labour conditions.
"It is a wakeup call," said Anthony Dass, head of AmBank Research in Kuala Lumpur. "If Malaysia does not change and with the global focus on environmental, social and governance practices, businesses could move to other countries."
Malaysia's labour department did not...
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