NEWS News

On 18 August 2026, JaCER held its 15th Learning Lab, entitled “Forced Labour and the National Action Plan in Malaysia,” online.

In recent years, forced labour in Malaysia, particularly involving migrant workers, has attracted growing international attention. Companies are increasingly expected to conduct human rights due diligence throughout their supply chains. Against this backdrop, the Malaysian government published its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP) in 2025, marking an important step towards advancing respect for human rights in business activities.

For this Learning Lab, JaCER welcomed H.E. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aishah Bidin, Professor Emeritus at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a leading expert on business and human rights in Malaysia. Professor Bidin also played an important role in the development of Malaysia’s NAP as a Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

Professor Bidin spoke about the current situation and challenges concerning forced labour in Malaysia, the background to and key elements of the NAP, and the responses expected of companies. Her presentation provided an opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding of these important issues for Japanese companies with operations and supply chains in Malaysia, particularly in light of recent policy and institutional developments in the country.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Daisuke Takahashi, Co-Representative of JaCER and attorney-at-law, and Shotaro Nakanishi, JaCER Grievance Officer and attorney-at-law. Drawing on his involvement in the development and revision of Japan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, Mr. Takahashi provided insights from the Japanese policy perspective. Mr. Nakanishi contributed practical perspectives based on his experience as a lawyer involved in the Kawaguchi case in Malaysia.

The panel explored the implications of Malaysia’s NAP for corporate practice, lessons for Japanese companies, and approaches to addressing forced labour and other human rights risks in supply chains. By considering both recent policy developments and challenges arising in practice in Malaysia, the discussion provided a valuable opportunity to consider how companies can implement effective human rights due diligence and translate it into the prevention and remediation of human rights risks.

JaCER will continue to provide opportunities through its Learning Labs for member companies to deepen their understanding of key developments and practical challenges in business and human rights, both in Japan and internationally.