KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): Supermax Corp Bhd, whose products are facing an import ban in the US over allegations of forced labour, is in talks with various diplomatic bodies in Malaysia including the Nepalese and Bangladeshi embassies in order to assist migrant workers in asserting their rights.
Supermax Healthcare Canada (SHC) said its Malaysian partner also confirmed that two auditing processes are currently being conducted over forced labour concerns and that the two additional US auditors will conduct analysis and monitory through April 2022.
“If the [recently] reported allegations are substantiated by the findings of these audits, Supermax Healthcare Canada will explore all possible options to address the situation and take swift action to ensure that workers' rights are respected in its supply chain.
“The company is eagerly awaiting the results of these independent audits, which are intended to clarify the situation for everyone,” SHC added in a statement dated Nov 17.
On Oct 20, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that its officers at all US ports of entry would detain disposable gloves produced by Supermax Corp’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Maxter Glove Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Maxwell Glove Manufacturing Bhd, and Supermax Glove Manufacturing.
SHC unequivocally condemned the alleged practices and reaffirm its commitment to respecting workers' rights throughout its supply chain.
“The allegations reported in the media are unacceptable and, as soon as we obtain all of the information on these, the company will consider all options available to rectify the situation, including sourcing from an alternative supplier, regardless of Supermax Corp’s financial stake in the Canadian company,” it said.
SHC noted it regularly requests information from Supermax Corp, which is fully responsible for the management of its disposable glove factories.
SHC is a Quebec-based company whose management is assumed by the Quebec shareholder.
“In keeping with its values, the company invested during the pandemic to maximize local production of personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks. However, the company, like 65% of the world, sources its disposable gloves from Malaysian suppliers,” noted SHC.
At the time of writing, Supermax Corp’s shares were trading down 10 sen or 0.57% at RM1.73 apiece, with some 3.06 million shares traded.
At RM1.73, it has a market value of RM4.71 billion. Year-to-date, the counter has fallen 68.6% from RM5.51 apiece.