Johor Bahru, Monday, 13 April 2022 – ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd (“ATA” or the “Company”) announced today that an independent assessment has been conducted to verify the Company’s labour practice standards. The findings indicate that the Company adheres to both local and international labour standards at its Malaysian facilities in Johor Bahru.
ATA had appointed an independent professional services company (“Auditor”), which is part of the Big 4, to conduct an independent assessment of its governance and risk management on human rights and labour management practices against the International Labour Organization’s 11 indicators of forced labour.
The third party independent assessment of ATA’s operations, which commenced on Wednesday, 9 March 2022 and concluded on Friday, 25 March 2022, validates and confirms that the Company’s activities are governed by human rights principles, laws, and industry best practices and standards to manage impacts in its areas of operation.
The mentioned assessment used the Sustainability Assurance Methodology and relevant ethical requirements of the International Ethics Standards Board for Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).
“With increased awareness globally on the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of local and foreign workers, ATA’s leadership is pleased and certain that the Company will continue making progress in business and human rights with the results of the independent assessment conducted by the Auditor,” said ATA.
The Auditor had highlighted the following areas for continuous improvement by ATA:
Providing education to workers about Zero Cost Recruitment Fee Policy • ATA operates a Zero Cost Recruitment Fee Policy (“policy”).
- The Company also ensures that all its workers sign a Letter of Undertaking committing that they shall not pay recruitment fees throughout their recruitment process with ATA.
- The Auditor has recommended for ATA to provide continuous awareness education programme to its workers on its Zero Cost Recruitment Fee Policy.
Increasing awareness on confidentiality of using grievance channels • ATA has in place grievance mechanisms in six languages that its workers understand.
- The Auditor advised ATA to ensure confidentiality of workers, particularly female workers, when using these channels.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Continuous Improvement
- The Auditor advised ATA to make sure that all its workers are educated to always use Personal Protection Equipment at the workplace; fire safety measures are always in good working condition; and emergency exits are accessible to its workers at all times.
ATA has embarked on remedial measures in the areas requiring improvement as recommended by the Auditor; adding that existing policies and procedures, guided by local and international policies, are constantly reviewed for ongoing enhancements to the quality of welfare, health, safety, working conditions, and living accommodations of its workers, local and foreign.
The Company is committed to sharing details of the independent assessment transparently, and at the proper time with Bursa Malaysia, the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, and the relevant local regulatory bodies.
Kindly attribute quotes to “ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd”, “ATA”, or the “Company”.
