M'sian glove maker sanctioned by US for 'forced labour' undertakes 'fresh start'

WRP Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian glove maker whose operations were suspended after it was hit by US sanctions for allegedly using "forced labour", is now restarting operations with the hope of a "fresh start".

The firm has appointed new leadership to address the allegations against it.

“We are very pleased that operations have recommenced despite the multitude of legacy issues we faced when the new board was established.

“From regularisation of workers to negotiating with utility companies, it has been an arduous journey, but with today’s milestone, it is clear that the hard work of all parties involved has paid off," the company said through its legal representative Mathew Thomas Philip of Thomas Phillips Advocates and Solicitors.

He said WRP's Salak Tinggi factory would initially run at a quarter capacity until June, producing and shipping surgical, examination and high-risk gloves that "adhere to the most stringent international quality standards" to Europe, Japan and Canada.

The law firm said WRP's new board of directors, led by fund management firm TAEL Partners, is committed to identifying and remedying actions by the previous management which may have led to a Withhold Release Order by the US Customs and Border Protection.

The order effectively blocks the import of disposable rubber gloves by the company.

WRP's legal representative said the company has engaged Impactt Limited, a UK-based ethical trade consultancy firm to assist in the process.

It added that over the last three months, the new board has undertaken sweeping changes including the appointment of a new president to lead the changes, a new executive line up to ensure greater transparency, an agreement to settle with utility companies to restore power and gas supply as well as improving working and living conditions for WRP workers.

“It is an honour to have the confidence of the board and while this past month has been hectic with several areas demanding immediate attention, I am glad we have crossed the first threshold of restarting operations.

"We still have many tough decisions to make ahead, and I look forward to the support from my team as no progress will be possible without all of us coming together," recently-appointed WRP president Leong Wai Leong said in the statement.