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INTERVENTION BY

MR. AHMAD RADZI MOHD ZIM

LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH

MS. FERNANDA HOPENHAYM

CHAIR OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE ISSUE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 25 OCTOBER 2022

 

Madam Chair,

 

Malaysia wishes to thank Ms. Hopenhaym for her briefing to this Committee.

 

We concur with Ms. Hopenhaym that corporate political engagement without adequate human rights due diligence can lead to unmitigated harm to human rights. We believe that business entities also have a responsibility to ensure respect for human rights.

 

Malaysia notes the contents of the latest Working Group’s report, which amongst others, mentions about the Malaysian Palm Oil Council’s use of public relations campaigns to mask concerns with regard to Malaysian palm oil. We wish to provide the following clarification to address the misunderstanding that has arisen.

 

The palm oil sector contributes to about 3.7 per cent of Malaysia’s GDP, providing employment opportunities to more than three (3) million Malaysians, including those from vulnerable groups. As the world’s second largest producer of palm oil, Malaysia is committed towards sustainability and protection of human rights in this industry. We have developed the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) scheme back in 2015 to ensure sustainable production of palm oil. To date, implementation of MSPO has reached 96 per cent in the Malaysian palm oil industry, while the MSPO Trace has been made mandatory since 1 September 2020 in order to maintain certification status.

 

In protecting labour rights, the Government has amended relevant laws to ensure that employers will better care for their employees. We have also launched a National Action Plan on Forced Labour to address concerns about labour rights. The Government has also introduced an online system for employees to lodge a complaint if they feel deprived of certain rights.

 

Madam Chair,

 

Despite all these efforts, disinformation about palm oil continue to persist, threatening the livelihoods of those relying on the sector for subsistence. As such, public awareness campaigns have to be conducted to highlight efforts undertaken by Malaysia. These campaigns are not to mask concerns with regard to Malaysian palm oil, but to educate the public on the continuous efforts taken in ensuring sustainability of its palm oil, in full adherence to human rights, thus providing the general public with more accurate information. It also reflects the Malaysia’s governments serious commitment in addressing issues in the palm oil industry.

 

Malaysia will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights and well-being of those employed in the palm oil sector are taken care of.

 

I thank you.