Guideline to Strengthen Child Labour Remediation in Malaysia’s Palm Oil Sector

We’re pleased to publish the latest and final free guideline developed under the MY Voice project in Malaysia. The guideline, available in English, comes with 11 practical tools to support case managers and Child Labour Remediation (CLR) service coordinators in planning, implementing, monitoring and successfully closing child labour remediation cases.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (US-DOL), the MY Voice project was launched by Social Accountability International (SAI) in December 2021 to address forced and child labour in Malaysia’s garments and palm oil industries. The project aimed to amplify workers’ voices in social compliance systems, increase access to remedy, and strengthen collaboration between businesses, NGOs, UN agencies and government stakeholders.

As part of MY Voice, we managed the Child Rights Action Hub (“Action Hub”), which focused on child labour prevention and remediation in the lower tiers of the palm oil sector. The Action Hub also created space for collaboration, enabling companies to work alongside local actors to deliver long-term prevention and remediation for children at risk.

Why this guideline?

Child labour risks in Malaysia’s palm oil plantations remain severe, with an estimated 33,600 children nationwide engaged in child labour according to the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities. Statelessness, complex migration dynamics and lack of documentation among children of migrant workers further increase vulnerability.

What does this guideline offer?

• Standardised procedures for child labour remediation case management, aligned with international child rights standards.

• Practical tools for case managers and CLR service providers to strengthen their responses.

• Best practices to ensure children and families receive appropriate, sustainable support.

Although the MY Voice project has now ended due to sudden cuts in funding, we are continuing to run the Action Hub independently to sustain and grow these important efforts. We welcome interested brands and stakeholders to contact us to learn more and get involved.

Please download the additional tools here.