10 abril 2026
Upholding responsible recruitment and human rights in the Malaysian palm oil supply chain
Nestlé, together with Proforest organised a Human Rights Workshop on 31 March 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The workshop builds on Nestlé’s continued engagement with its key suppliers while sharing Nestlé’s Framework on Human Rights for Palm Oil Supply Chains in Malaysia. The event was attended by representatives of Nestlé’s suppliers, partners and civil society organisations.
In her welcome remarks, Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi, Nestlé Group Corporate Affairs MYSG Executive Director said strengthening human rights due diligence is an ongoing, long-term effort.
“By working closely with suppliers and stakeholders, we are focused on driving sustained, practical improvements in responsible recruitment and worker protection across the palm oil supply chain in Malaysia,” she added.
The workshop provided Nestlé’s suppliers, including Wilmar, Mewah Group, and SD Guthrie, with guidance to implement targeted key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the Nestlé Human Rights Action Plan (HRAP). This would lead to joint efforts by the suppliers to identify priority mills and plantation suppliers within their supply base and conduct joint capacity building on key human rights topics, namely Responsible Recruitment and Worker Voice.
Two key topics were presented during the workshop, as aligned with HRAP: responsible recruitment of migrant workers and worker participation in the remediation of labour-related grievances.
The session on responsible recruitment explored the elements of a due diligence system, drawing upon industry guidelines as presented by the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA).
"The MPOA Recruitment Guideline is a strategic tool that enhances industry credibility, safeguards market access, and strengthens long-term resilience. Its effective implementation will hinge on continued collaboration, capacity building, and shared accountability across stakeholders.
“Ultimately, this is more than a guideline—it reflects the industry’s collective commitment to move forward with integrity and purpose. Equally critical are platforms such as this workshop, which play a pivotal role in translating principles into practice,” shared Shreen Xaviar, MPOA Director of R&D and Sustainability.
Later, an industry panel session featuring representatives from Mewah Group, Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia (Persatuan Agensi Pekerjaan Malaysia, PAPA) and Dignity in Work for All (DIWA) discussed about the on-ground realities of recruitment practices, the initiatives being undertaken by the palm oil sector, and the opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Meanwhile, International Justice Mission (IJM) Malaysia co-presented on the topic of worker participation in the remediation of labour-related grievances.
The workshop reinforced Nestlé’s commitment to strengthening human rights due diligence across its palm oil supply chain. Through knowledge sharing and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the workshop equipped participants with practical insights to advance responsible recruitment and worker protections in Malaysia.
