Top Glove: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Malaysian rubber glove company}} |
{{short description|Malaysian rubber glove company}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} |
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{{COI|date=May 2022}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = Top Glove Corporation Bhd |
| name = Top Glove Corporation Bhd |
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| type = [[Public limited company]] |
| type = [[Public limited company]] |
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| traded_as = {{myx|7113}} |
| traded_as = {{myx|7113}} |
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{{SGX|BVA}} |
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| ISIN = MYL7113OO003 |
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|MYL7113OO003}} |
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| industry = [[Rubber]] |
| industry = [[Rubber]] |
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| founded = 1991 <!-- if known: {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} in [[city]], [[country]] --> |
| founded = 1991 <!-- if known: {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} in [[city]], [[country]] --> |
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| hq_location_city = |
| hq_location_city = |
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| hq_location_country = |
| hq_location_country = |
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| num_locations = |
| num_locations = 49 |
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| num_locations_year = as at |
| num_locations_year = as at August 2022 |
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| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = --> |
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = --> |
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| key_people = Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee |
| key_people = Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, Executive Chairman |
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Lim Cheong Guan, Managing Director |
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Ng Yong Lin, Executive Director |
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| products = [[Rubber gloves]] |
| products = [[Rubber gloves]] |
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| brands = |
| brands = |
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| services = |
| services = |
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| owner = <!-- or: | owners = --> |
| owner = <!-- or: | owners = --> |
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| num_employees = |
| num_employees = 12,000 |
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| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (when known) --> |
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (when known) --> |
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| website = {{URL|http://www.topglove.com}} |
| website = {{URL|http://www.topglove.com}} |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Top Glove Corporation Berhad''' is a [[Malaysia]]n [[rubber glove]] [[Manufacturing|manufacturer]] who also specialises in [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]][[ |
'''Top Glove Corporation Berhad''' is a [[Malaysia]]n [[rubber glove]] [[Manufacturing|manufacturer]] who also specialises in [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]], [[dental dam]]s, and other products.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top Glove Products - Overview|url=https://www.topglove.com/topglove-products/|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Top Glove|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808115513/https://www.topglove.com/topglove-products/|url-status=live}}</ref> The company owns and operates 50 manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, [[Thailand]], [[China]], and [[Vietnam]]. They also have marketing offices in these countries as well as the [[United States]], [[Germany]] and [[Brazil]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Locations|url=https://www.topglove.com/our-locations/|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Top Glove|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808121738/https://www.topglove.com/our-locations/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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In 2017, Top Glove announced that they would launch a new [[condom]] business in 2018 with a RM30 million (US$7 million) investment.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Top Glove to kick off condom business next year|language=en|work=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2099352/worlds-biggest-glove-manufacturer-kick-condom-business-next-year|access-date=2018-10-22|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618075118/https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2099352/worlds-biggest-glove-manufacturer-kick-condom-business-next-year|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In 2017, Top Glove announced that they would launch a new [[condom]] business in 2018 with a RM30 million (US$7 million) investment.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Top Glove to kick off condom business next year|language=en|work=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2099352/worlds-biggest-glove-manufacturer-kick-condom-business-next-year|access-date=2018-10-22|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618075118/https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2099352/worlds-biggest-glove-manufacturer-kick-condom-business-next-year|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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As at 28 February 2022, Top Glove had a [[shareholder]] fund of RM6.95 billion<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-08|title=Investor Relations|url=https://www.topglove.com/ir-overview-en |
As at 28 February 2022, Top Glove had a [[shareholder]] fund of RM6.95 billion<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-08|title=Investor Relations|url=https://www.topglove.com/ir-overview-en|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Top Glove}}</ref> and for 2QFY2022 the Group achieved Sales Revenue of RM1.45 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2022|title=Quarterly rpt on consolidated results for the financial period ended 28 Feb 2022|url=https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3241206|access-date=2022-03-10|website=Bursa Malaysia}}</ref> |
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As of November 2021, Top Glove has 812 production lines, 50 factories,<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Top Glove now third largest stock on Bursa Malaysia|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2020/07/13/top-glove-now-third-largest-stock-on-bursa-malaysia/1884119|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Malay Mail|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713183913/https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2020/07/13/top-glove-now-third-largest-stock-on-bursa-malaysia/1884119|url-status=live}}</ref> 195 countries of export and 2,000 customers. |
As of November 2021, Top Glove has 812 production lines, 50 factories,<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Top Glove now third largest stock on Bursa Malaysia|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2020/07/13/top-glove-now-third-largest-stock-on-bursa-malaysia/1884119|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Malay Mail|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713183913/https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2020/07/13/top-glove-now-third-largest-stock-on-bursa-malaysia/1884119|url-status=live}}</ref> 195 countries of export and 2,000 customers. |
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In April 2018, Top Glove concluded its acquisition of leading [[Medical glove|surgical glovemaker]], Aspion Sdn Bhd, its biggest [[Mergers and acquisitions|M&A]] to date, which would see Top Glove emerging as the world's largest surgical glove manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/14/not-all-gloom-and-doom-for-top-glove/|title=Not all gloom and doom for Top Glove|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|date=14 July 2018 |access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028190309/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/14/not-all-gloom-and-doom-for-top-glove/|archive-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> |
In April 2018, Top Glove concluded its acquisition of leading [[Medical glove|surgical glovemaker]], Aspion Sdn Bhd, its biggest [[Mergers and acquisitions|M&A]] to date, which would see Top Glove emerging as the world's largest surgical glove manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/14/not-all-gloom-and-doom-for-top-glove/|title=Not all gloom and doom for Top Glove|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|date=14 July 2018 |access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028190309/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/07/14/not-all-gloom-and-doom-for-top-glove/|archive-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> |
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In April 2020, the company announced that it would manufacture [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Regencia |first1=Ted |last2=Stepansky |first2=Joseph |title=Coronavirus deaths rise but signs of progress seen: Live updates |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-deaths-rise-signs-progress-live-updates-200409231002574.html |access-date=10 April 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411083639/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-deaths-rise-signs-progress-live-updates-200409231002574.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to rising demand for protective gear in response to COVID-19, Top Glove's profits had risen by 400% by mid-December 2020, with the company announcing a 20-times increase in quarterly net profit to RM 2.4 billion (US$590 million)<ref name="Profits over people">{{cite news |title= |
In April 2020, the company announced that it would manufacture [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Regencia |first1=Ted |last2=Stepansky |first2=Joseph |title=Coronavirus deaths rise but signs of progress seen: Live updates |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-deaths-rise-signs-progress-live-updates-200409231002574.html |access-date=10 April 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411083639/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-deaths-rise-signs-progress-live-updates-200409231002574.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to rising demand for protective gear in response to COVID-19, Top Glove's profits had risen by 400% by mid-December 2020, with the company announcing a 20-times increase in quarterly net profit to RM 2.4 billion (US$590 million).<ref name="Profits over people">{{cite news |title='Profits over people': Covid-19 overruns Top Glove factories as workers speak of appalling accommodations |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/profits-over-people-virus-overruns-top-glove-factories/1931471 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=13 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213104115/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/profits-over-people-virus-overruns-top-glove-factories/1931471 |archive-date=13 December 2020}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In November 2020, the company donated a total of RM185 million to the government's COVID-19 fund set up to battle the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |
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⚫ | Top Glove launched its new headquarters Top Glove Tower on 1 October 2015, located in [[Setia Alam]], [[Shah Alam]]. It was officiated by [[Sharafuddin of Selangor|Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah]].<ref>{{cite news|date=8 October 2015|title=Sultan of Selangor launches Top Glove's new 23-storey building in Shah Alam|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/smebiz/news/2015/10/08/glovemaker-unveils-new-office-tower-sultan-of-selangor-launches-top-gloves-new-23storey-building-in|access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Top Glove has a total of 50 factories across Malaysia, Thailand, China and Vietnam. Out of the 37 glove factories, 32 are located in Malaysia, three in Thailand, and one each in China and Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Siew Mung|date=4 June 2021|title=Top Glove's annual glove production capacity hits 100 billion pieces|work=The Edge Markets|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-gloves-annual-glove-production-capacity-hits-100-billion-pieces|access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Top Glove launched its new headquarters Top Glove Tower on |
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⚫ | Top Glove has a total of 50 factories across Malaysia, Thailand, China and Vietnam. Out of the 37 glove factories, 32 are located in Malaysia, three in Thailand, and one each in China and Vietnam. |
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== Philanthropy == |
== Philanthropy == |
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⚫ | Throughout 2020, Malaysia will experience slower adverse demand due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Royce |date=13 January 2021 |title=Risk of rising unemployment remains high with MCO 2.0 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/01/13/risk-of-rising-unemployment-remains-high-with-mco-20}}</ref> Top Glove claimed that it would offer a total of 9,000 job opportunities for locals throughout 2021, to help address the rising unemployment rate in Malaysia. In a statement, Top Glove stated that it "hopes to achieve the target through a year-long recruitment campaign".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bala Krishnan |first=Dhesegaan |date=22 January 2021 |title=Booming Top Glove to offer 9,000 jobs to Malaysians this year |work=[[New Straits Times]] |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/659667/booming-top-glove-offer-9000-jobs-malaysians-year}}</ref> |
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In July 2020, Top Glove contributed three million gloves worth RM700,000 as well as medical equipment such as ventilators and medical suits worth RM300,000 to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). This initiative was facilitated by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf (TSMCG) Foundation which helped to disseminate these supplies to the hospitals and health departments identified by the MOH for the use of frontline professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernama |title=Tropicana, Top Glove contribute RM2.5mil of medical equipment to Health Ministry |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/605742/tropicana-top-glove-contribute-rm25mil-medical-equipment-health-ministry |website=New Straits Time}}</ref> |
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=== Top Glove Foundation === |
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On 14 June 2009, the Top Glove Foundation was established with the objective of providing funds for charitable, educational and activities related to environment and community. The founders of TG Foundation are Top Glove Sdn Bhd, [[Lim Wee-Chai|Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai]] and Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee. They collectively donated RM 1 million to the Top Glove Foundation for a start. Since then, several companies and individuals have also donated to the Top Glove Foundation funds and enabled the Top Glove Foundation to support and assist in community, educational and environmental activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Glove Foundation |url=https://www.topglove.com/social-top-glove-foundation |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=www.topglove.com}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In November 2020, the company donated a total of RM185 million to the government's COVID-19 fund set up to battle the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kossan, Top Glove, Hartalega and Supermax confirm donations to Govt's RM400 mil COVID-19 fund |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/top-glove-hartalega-and-supermax-confirm-donations-govts-rm400-mil-covid19-fund |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=The Edge Malaysia}}</ref> |
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=== Employment Opportunities for Malaysians === |
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⚫ | Throughout 2020, Malaysia will experience slower adverse demand due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Royce |date=13 January 2021 |title=Risk of rising unemployment remains high with MCO 2.0 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/01/13/risk-of-rising-unemployment-remains-high-with-mco-20}}</ref> Top Glove |
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== Controversies == |
== Controversies == |
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An investigation by ''[[Channel 4 News]]'' in June 2020 found that staff were living in cramped conditions, paid £1.08 an hour, forced to work overtime to meet the demand for gloves during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and could not adequately practice [[social distancing]] despite the company claiming appropriate measures were taken.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-14|title=Coronavirus hits Malaysian rubber glove giant|url=https://www.licas.news/2020/12/14/coronavirus-hits-malaysian-rubber-glove-giant/|access-date=2020-12-17|website=Catholic News in Asia {{!}} LiCAS.news {{!}} Licas News|language=en-US|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220160412/https://www.licas.news/2020/12/14/coronavirus-hits-malaysian-rubber-glove-giant/|url-status=live}}</ref> Workers, many of whom were [[Immigration|migrants]], also claimed they paid up to $5,000 in recruitment fees to secure [[employment]], leaving them in debt bondage.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Channel 4 News Investigations Team|date=16 June 2020|title=Revealed: Shocking conditions in PPE factories supplying UK|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/revealed-shocking-conditions-in-ppe-factories-supplying-uk|access-date=19 June 2020|website=Channel 4|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619020341/https://www.channel4.com/news/revealed-shocking-conditions-in-ppe-factories-supplying-uk|url-status=live}}</ref> Top Glove did not address any specific claims but called the investigation inaccurate.<ref name="c4">{{cite news|last=FMT Reporters|date=18 June 2020|title=FMT: Top Glove denies worker exploitation claims in British TV Report|work=FMT|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/18/top-glove-denies-worker-exploitation-claims-in-british-tv-report/|access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619191159/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/18/top-glove-denies-worker-exploitation-claims-in-british-tv-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
An investigation by ''[[Channel 4 News]]'' in June 2020 found that staff were living in cramped conditions, paid £1.08 an hour, forced to work overtime to meet the demand for gloves during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and could not adequately practice [[social distancing]] despite the company claiming appropriate measures were taken.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-14|title=Coronavirus hits Malaysian rubber glove giant|url=https://www.licas.news/2020/12/14/coronavirus-hits-malaysian-rubber-glove-giant/|access-date=2020-12-17|website=Catholic News in Asia {{!}} LiCAS.news {{!}} Licas News|language=en-US|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220160412/https://www.licas.news/2020/12/14/coronavirus-hits-malaysian-rubber-glove-giant/|url-status=live}}</ref> Workers, many of whom were [[Immigration|migrants]], also claimed they paid up to $5,000 in recruitment fees to secure [[employment]], leaving them in debt bondage.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Channel 4 News Investigations Team|date=16 June 2020|title=Revealed: Shocking conditions in PPE factories supplying UK|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/revealed-shocking-conditions-in-ppe-factories-supplying-uk|access-date=19 June 2020|website=Channel 4|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619020341/https://www.channel4.com/news/revealed-shocking-conditions-in-ppe-factories-supplying-uk|url-status=live}}</ref> Top Glove did not address any specific claims but called the investigation inaccurate.<ref name="c4">{{cite news|last=FMT Reporters|date=18 June 2020|title=FMT: Top Glove denies worker exploitation claims in British TV Report|work=FMT|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/18/top-glove-denies-worker-exploitation-claims-in-british-tv-report/|access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619191159/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/18/top-glove-denies-worker-exploitation-claims-in-british-tv-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In July 2020, Top Glove engaged United Kingdom-based ethical trade consultancy Impactt Limited to assess the presence of forced labour by reference to the International Labor Organization’s 11 Forced Labour Indicators, propose corrective action plans to improve the Group’s labour practices, and monitor the Group’s implementation of the corrective action plans. |
In July 2020, Top Glove engaged United Kingdom-based ethical trade consultancy Impactt Limited to assess the presence of forced labour by reference to the International Labor Organization’s 11 Forced Labour Indicators, propose corrective action plans to improve the Group’s labour practices, and monitor the Group’s implementation of the corrective action plans.<ref>{{cite report |date= 2021 |title= Updated Impactt statement on Top Glove Status |url= https://impacttlimited.com/updated-impactt-statement-on-top-glove-status/|publisher= Impactt Limited}}</ref> |
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In April 2021, Impactt verified that the company has eliminated all indicators of systemic forced labour in its direct operations. This includes repayment of recruitment fees totaling USD $36 million to current and eligible former workers via monthly payments which were concluded in April 2021.<ref>{{cite report |date= 2021 |title= Top Glove Combined CAP Summary & Q3 Remediation payment verification findings |url= https://impacttlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Top-Glove-Verification-Report_Q3April2021_public_v2.1.pdf/ |publisher= Impactt Limited}}</ref> |
In April 2021, Impactt verified that the company has eliminated all indicators of systemic forced labour in its direct operations. This includes repayment of recruitment fees totaling USD $36 million to current and eligible former workers via monthly payments which were concluded in April 2021.<ref>{{cite report |date= 2021 |title= Top Glove Combined CAP Summary & Q3 Remediation payment verification findings |url= https://impacttlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Top-Glove-Verification-Report_Q3April2021_public_v2.1.pdf/ |publisher= Impactt Limited}}</ref> |
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====U.S. Customs product sanction and detention==== |
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⚫ | On 15 July 2020, the [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) placed a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on imports of products made by subsidiaries of Top Glove for labour issues over [[debt bondage]] of its foreign workers and poor housing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Withhold Release Orders and Findings|url=https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings|access-date=2020-08-16|website=U.S. Customs & Border Protection|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816131642/https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-16|title=Amid virus crisis, U.S. bars imports of Malaysia's Top Glove over labour issues|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-top-glove-usa-idUSKCN24H0K2|access-date=2020-08-15|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805042152/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-top-glove-usa-idUSKCN24H0K2|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, Top Glove pledged to improve housing for their workers and remove the debt bondage of its workers in an effort to lift the ban.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-11|title=Racing to reverse US ban, Top Glove improves workers' housing|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/racing-reverse-us-ban-top-glove-improves-workers-housing|access-date=2020-08-15|website=The Edge Markets}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=Top Glove still resolving US ban, remediation fee now at RM53m|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-still-resolving-us-ban-remediation-fee-now-rm53-million|access-date=2020-08-15|website=The Edge Markets|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920050505/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-still-resolving-us-ban-remediation-fee-now-rm53-million|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | On 9 September 2021, |
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====COVID-19 Pandemic==== |
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On 13 December 2020, [[Reuters]] reported that Top Glove had fired a whistleblowing Nepalese migrant worker named Yubaraj Khadka for sharing photos of overcrowded working conditions,<ref>{{cite news |last= A. & Lee |first= Ananthalakshmi & Liz |date=2021-12-13 |title=INSIGHT Malaysia's Top Glove fired whistleblower before virus outbreak |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/insight-malaysias-top-glove-fired-whistleblower-before-virus-outbreak-2020-12-13/|work=Reuters |access-date=2021-12-13}}</ref> and according to a ''[[Malay Mail]]'' report published on 13 December 2020, several South Asian migrant workers told the [[Agence France-Presse]] about the conditions at Top Glove’s dormitories, which had allegedly contributed to the spread of [[COVID-19]] at several of Top Glove’s factories.<ref>{{cite news |title=‘Profits over people’: Covid-19 overruns Top Glove factories as workers speak of appalling accommodations {{!}} Malay Mail |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/profits-over-people-virus-overruns-top-glove-factories/1931471 |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=www.malaymail.com |date=12 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Following this, Top Glove announced plans to fund better worker accommodations and build "mega-hostels" with modern amenities and 7,300-person capacities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-06|title=Kossan, Top Glove, Hartalega and Supermax confirm donations to Govt's RM400 mil COVID-19 fund|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-hartalega-and-supermax-confirm-donations-govts-rm400-mil-covid19-fund|access-date=2020-11-19|website=The Edge Markets|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106122826/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-hartalega-and-supermax-confirm-donations-govts-rm400-mil-covid19-fund|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Profits over people': Virus overruns Malaysian glove factories |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201213-profits-over-people-virus-overruns-malaysian-glove-factories |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=France 24 |date=13 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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In a radio interview with [[BFM_89.9|BFM 89.9]] on 23 December 2020, Top Glove’s managing director, Dato’ Lee Kim Meow, said the company had established three helplines for aggrieved workers, one internal and two manned by a consultant and an audit firm.<ref>{{cite interview |last= Kanesan & Wong |first= Roshan & Shou Ning |interviewer= Roshan Kanesan & Wong Shou Ning |title=A WIN FOR THE COMPANY BUT LESS SO FOR THE WORKERS |work=[[BFM_89.9|BFM 89.9]] |publisher=BFM 89.9|location=Malaysia |date=December 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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In April 2021, during a media walkabout of Top Glove’s workers’ accommodations in Klang and Setia Taipan, the company announced it would invest up to RM300 million in conducive workers' accommodation in compliance with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act of 1990 (Act 446).<ref>{{cite news |last=Chan |first=Dawn |date=2021-04-16 |title=Top Glove to invest RM300 million for conducive workers' accommodation |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/04/682931/top-glove-invest-rm300-million-conducive-workers-accommodation |work=New Straits Times |access-date=2021-04-16}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | On 15 July 2020, the [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) placed a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on imports of products made by subsidiaries of Top Glove for labour issues over [[debt bondage]] of its foreign workers and poor housing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Withhold Release Orders and Findings|url=https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings|access-date=2020-08-16|website=U.S. Customs & Border Protection|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816131642/https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-16|title=Amid virus crisis, U.S. bars imports of Malaysia's Top Glove over labour issues|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-top-glove-usa-idUSKCN24H0K2|access-date=2020-08-15|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805042152/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-top-glove-usa-idUSKCN24H0K2|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, Top Glove pledged to improve housing for their workers and remove the debt bondage of its workers in an effort to lift the ban.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-11|title=Racing to reverse US ban, Top Glove improves workers' housing|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/racing-reverse-us-ban-top-glove-improves-workers-housing|access-date=2020-08-15|website=The Edge Markets}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=Top Glove still resolving US ban, remediation fee now at RM53m|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-still-resolving-us-ban-remediation-fee-now-rm53-million|access-date=2020-08-15|website=The Edge Markets|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920050505/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/top-glove-still-resolving-us-ban-remediation-fee-now-rm53-million|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 13 May 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection seized a shipment of 4.68 million Top Glove latex gloves in the [[Port of Kansas City]], [[Missouri]] on the grounds that they had been manufactured using forced labour. This shipment was worth RM 2.8 million (US$690,000) and was bound for [[Kansas City]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chin |first1=Emmanuel |title=Another Top Glove shipment seized by US authorities, this time worth RM2.8m |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/13/another-top-glove-shipment-seized-by-us-authorities-this-time-worth-rm2.8m/1973867 |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513091648/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/13/another-top-glove-shipment-seized-by-us-authorities-this-time-worth-rm2.8m/1973867 |archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
On 13 May 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection seized a shipment of 4.68 million Top Glove latex gloves in the [[Port of Kansas City]], [[Missouri]] on the grounds that they had been manufactured using forced labour. This shipment was worth RM 2.8 million (US$690,000) and was bound for [[Kansas City]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chin |first1=Emmanuel |title=Another Top Glove shipment seized by US authorities, this time worth RM2.8m |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/13/another-top-glove-shipment-seized-by-us-authorities-this-time-worth-rm2.8m/1973867 |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513091648/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/13/another-top-glove-shipment-seized-by-us-authorities-this-time-worth-rm2.8m/1973867 |archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | On 9 September 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it has uplifted and modified the forced labour findings on Top Glove Corporation Bhd, and that the CBP will permit the importation of disposable gloves made at Top Glove facilities in Malaysia to US effective immediately.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=2021-09-09 |title=CBP Modifies Forced Labor Finding on Top Glove Corporation Bhd. |work=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |agency=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-modifies-forced-labor-finding-top-glove-corporation-bhd |access-date=2021-09-09}}</ref> The CBP cited Top Glove as an example of a company that did take proactive steps to engage with it to remediate the WRO or Finding.<ref>{{cite news |title=Work with us, CBP tells Malaysian companies |url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/work-us-cbp-tells-malaysian-companies#:~:text=Its%20message%20to%20Malaysian%20companies,access%20to%20the%20US%20market. |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=The Edge Markets}}</ref> |
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==== Modification of Forced Labour Findings ==== |
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On 9 September 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it has modified the forced labour findings on Top Glove Corporation Bhd, and that the CBP will permit the importation of disposable gloves made at Top Glove facilities in Malaysia to US effective immediately. <ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=2021-09-09 |title=CBP Modifies Forced Labor Finding on Top Glove Corporation Bhd. |work=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |agency=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-modifies-forced-labor-finding-top-glove-corporation-bhd |access-date=2021-09-09}}</ref> The CBP cited Top Glove as an example of a company that did take proactive steps to engage with it to remediate the WRO or Finding. <ref>{{cite news |title=Work with us, CBP tells Malaysian companies |url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/work-us-cbp-tells-malaysian-companies#:~:text=Its%20message%20to%20Malaysian%20companies,access%20to%20the%20US%20market. |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=The Edge Markets}}</ref> |
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===COVID-19 pandemic=== |
===COVID-19 pandemic=== |
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In mid-November 2020, several [[COVID-19]] cases were detected in one of the Top Glove dormitories in [[Klang (city)|Klang]] which has led to an [[2020 Malaysia movement control order|enhanced movement control order]] being implemented in the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-16|title=Top Glove dormitories in Klang under EMCO from Nov 17 to 30, says Ismail Sabri|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/emco-top-glove-workers-dormitory-klang-nov-17-30-says-ismail-sabri|access-date=2020-11-19|work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge Markets]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116151653/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/emco-top-glove-workers-dormitory-klang-nov-17-30-says-ismail-sabri|archive-date=16 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> By 27 November 2020, more than 4,000 cases were linked to the Top Glove dormitory cluster.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Jason|date=2020-11-27|title=Top Glove says 'in the process' of closing Meru factories|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/11/27/top-glove-says-in-the-process-of-closing-meru-factories/|access-date=2020-11-30|work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127115126/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/11/27/top-glove-says-in-the-process-of-closing-meru-factories/|archive-date=2020-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 November, the EMCO at Top Glove's dormitories across Malaysia was extended until 14 December.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rashvinjeet |title=EMCO at Top Glove dormitories in Klang extended another 14 days (updated) |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/30/covid-19-enhanced-mco-at-top-glove-dormitories-in-klang-extended-another-14-days-says-ismail-sabri |access-date=30 November 2020 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130114652/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/30/covid-19-enhanced-mco-at-top-glove-dormitories-in-klang-extended-another-14-days-says-ismail-sabri |archive-date=30 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The company were required to temporarily close a total of 28 factories in stages in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adilla|first=Farah|date=2020-11-25|title=Top Glove tumbles on plant closure, move may push glove prices higher {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/11/644112/top-glove-tumbles-plant-closure-move-may-push-glove-prices-higher|access-date=2020-12-01|website=NST Online|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Beech|first1=Hannah|date=20 December 2020|title=Top Glove's workers in Malaysia suffer from a large outbreak of Covid-19|work=[[ |
In mid-November 2020, several [[COVID-19]] cases were detected in one of the Top Glove dormitories in [[Klang (city)|Klang]] which has led to an [[2020 Malaysia movement control order|enhanced movement control order]] being implemented in the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-16|title=Top Glove dormitories in Klang under EMCO from Nov 17 to 30, says Ismail Sabri|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/emco-top-glove-workers-dormitory-klang-nov-17-30-says-ismail-sabri|access-date=2020-11-19|work=[[The Edge (Malaysia)|The Edge Markets]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116151653/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/emco-top-glove-workers-dormitory-klang-nov-17-30-says-ismail-sabri|archive-date=16 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> By 27 November 2020, more than 4,000 cases were linked to the Top Glove dormitory cluster.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Jason|date=2020-11-27|title=Top Glove says 'in the process' of closing Meru factories|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/11/27/top-glove-says-in-the-process-of-closing-meru-factories/|access-date=2020-11-30|work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127115126/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/11/27/top-glove-says-in-the-process-of-closing-meru-factories/|archive-date=2020-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 November, the EMCO at Top Glove's dormitories across Malaysia was extended until 14 December.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rashvinjeet |title=EMCO at Top Glove dormitories in Klang extended another 14 days (updated) |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/30/covid-19-enhanced-mco-at-top-glove-dormitories-in-klang-extended-another-14-days-says-ismail-sabri |access-date=30 November 2020 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130114652/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/30/covid-19-enhanced-mco-at-top-glove-dormitories-in-klang-extended-another-14-days-says-ismail-sabri |archive-date=30 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The company were required to temporarily close a total of 28 factories in stages in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adilla|first=Farah|date=2020-11-25|title=Top Glove tumbles on plant closure, move may push glove prices higher {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/11/644112/top-glove-tumbles-plant-closure-move-may-push-glove-prices-higher|access-date=2020-12-01|website=NST Online|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Beech|first1=Hannah|date=20 December 2020|title=Top Glove's workers in Malaysia suffer from a large outbreak of Covid-19|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/world/asia/malaysia-white-flags.html|access-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101013541/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/20/world/asia/top-glove-ppe-covid-malaysia-workers.html|archive-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> |
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According to a [[Malay Mail]] report published on 13 December 2020, several South Asian migrant workers had told the [[Agence France-Press]] about "appalling" living conditions including cramped dormitories housing 25 people. These overcrowded conditions had contributed to the spread of COVID-19 within 28 of Top Glove's 41 factories. In response to criticism and publicity, Top Glove announced plans to purchase more workers' accommodation and to build "mega-hostels" equipped with modern amenities that can house 7,300 people.<ref name="Profits over people" /> The same day, it was reported that Top Glove had fired a [[whistleblower|whistleblowing]] Nepalese migrant worker named Yubaraj Khadka for sharing photos of overcrowded working conditions, which were later picked up by [[Reuters]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Top Glove fired whistleblower before Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/top-glove-fired-whistleblower-before-covid-19-outbreak/1931430 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=13 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213110257/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/top-glove-fired-whistleblower-before-covid-19-outbreak/1931430 |archive-date=13 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
According to a [[Malay Mail]] report published on 13 December 2020, several South Asian migrant workers had told the [[Agence France-Press]] about "appalling" living conditions including cramped dormitories housing 25 people. These overcrowded conditions had contributed to the spread of COVID-19 within 28 of Top Glove's 41 factories. In response to criticism and publicity, Top Glove announced plans to purchase more workers' accommodation and to build "mega-hostels" equipped with modern amenities that can house 7,300 people.<ref name="Profits over people" /> The same day, it was reported that Top Glove had fired a [[whistleblower|whistleblowing]] Nepalese migrant worker named Yubaraj Khadka for sharing photos of overcrowded working conditions, which were later picked up by [[Reuters]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Top Glove fired whistleblower before Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/top-glove-fired-whistleblower-before-covid-19-outbreak/1931430 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=13 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213110257/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/13/top-glove-fired-whistleblower-before-covid-19-outbreak/1931430 |archive-date=13 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In a radio interview with BFM89.9 on 23 December 2020, Top Glove’s Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Kim Meow said the company had established 3 helplines for aggrieved workers, one internal and two |
In a radio interview with BFM89.9 on 23 December 2020, Top Glove’s Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Kim Meow said the company had established 3 helplines for aggrieved workers, one internal and two staffed by personnel from a consultant firm and an audit firm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanesan & Wong |first=Roshan & Shou Ning |date=2020-12-23 |title=A WIN FOR THE COMPANY BUT LESS SO FOR THE WORKERS |url=https://www.bfm.my/podcast/morning-run/morning-brief/a-win-for-the-company-but-less-so-for-the-workers |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=BFM 89.9}}</ref> Top Glove announced that it would no longer penalise whistleblowers and would establish three helplines for workers’ complaints.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top Glove says will no longer fire whistleblowers, opens helplines for workers |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/23/top-glove-says-will-no-longer-fire-whistleblowers-opens-helplines-for-workers |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223085743/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/23/top-glove-says-will-no-longer-fire-whistleblowers-opens-helplines-for-workers |archive-date=23 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In April 2021, during a media walkabout of Top Glove’s workers’ accommodations in Klang and Setia Taipan, the company announced it would be investing up to a total of RM300 million to provide conducive workers' accommodation that comply to the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446). |
In April 2021, during a media walkabout of Top Glove’s workers’ accommodations in Klang and Setia Taipan, the company announced it would be investing up to a total of RM300 million to provide conducive workers' accommodation that comply to the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).<ref>{{cite news |last=Chan |first=Dawn |date=2021-04-16 |title=Top Glove to invest RM300 million for conducive workers' accommodation |work=New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/04/682931/top-glove-invest-rm300-million-conducive-workers-accommodation |access-date=2021-04-16}}</ref> Glove manufacturer Top Glove Corp Bhd is working with Independent workers rights specialist, [[Andy Hall (activist)|Andy Hall]], as it takes measures to improve working and living conditions at its factories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TIMBUONG |first=JO |date=2021-04-08 |title=Top Glove works with critic to improve working conditions |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/04/08/top-glove-works-with-critic-to-improve-working-conditions |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=The Star (Malaysia)}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 15:51, 7 July 2024
![]() | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (May 2022) |
![]() | |
Company type | Public limited company |
---|---|
MYX: 7113 SGX: BVA | |
ISIN | MYL7113OO003 |
Industry | Rubber |
Founded | 1991 |
Founder | Lim Wee-Chai |
Headquarters | Setia Alam, Malaysia |
Number of locations | 49 (as at August 2022) |
Key people | Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, Executive Chairman
Lim Cheong Guan, Managing Director Ng Yong Lin, Executive Director |
Products | Rubber gloves |
Number of employees | 12,000 |
Website | www |
Top Glove Corporation Berhad is a Malaysian rubber glove manufacturer who also specialises in face masks, dental dams, and other products.[1] The company owns and operates 50 manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. They also have marketing offices in these countries as well as the United States, Germany and Brazil.[2]
History
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Entrance_to_Top_Glove_Tower.jpg/220px-Entrance_to_Top_Glove_Tower.jpg)
The company was founded in Malaysia in 1991 by Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, with one production line and staff comprising 100 people. Wee Chai's parents are rubber plantation owners and traders. Top Glove has since become the world's largest manufacturer of gloves, commanding 26% of the world market share.[3][4]
Top Glove was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (now) or Bursa Malaysia in August 2001.[5] In the span of a year, Top Glove Corporation Bhd's listing was promoted from the Second Board to the Main Board on May 16, 2002.[6][7]
On 28 June 2016, Top Glove was also listed at number 9[8] on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange.[7][9]
In 2017, Top Glove announced that they would launch a new condom business in 2018 with a RM30 million (US$7 million) investment.[10]
As at 28 February 2022, Top Glove had a shareholder fund of RM6.95 billion[11] and for 2QFY2022 the Group achieved Sales Revenue of RM1.45 billion.[12]
As of November 2021, Top Glove has 812 production lines, 50 factories,[13] 195 countries of export and 2,000 customers.
In April 2018, Top Glove concluded its acquisition of leading surgical glovemaker, Aspion Sdn Bhd, its biggest M&A to date, which would see Top Glove emerging as the world's largest surgical glove manufacturer.[14]
In April 2020, the company announced that it would manufacture face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] Due to rising demand for protective gear in response to COVID-19, Top Glove's profits had risen by 400% by mid-December 2020, with the company announcing a 20-times increase in quarterly net profit to RM 2.4 billion (US$590 million).[16]
Corporate identity
[edit]Headquarters and major facilities
[edit]Top Glove launched its new headquarters Top Glove Tower on 1 October 2015, located in Setia Alam, Shah Alam. It was officiated by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.[17] Top Glove has a total of 50 factories across Malaysia, Thailand, China and Vietnam. Out of the 37 glove factories, 32 are located in Malaysia, three in Thailand, and one each in China and Vietnam.[18]
Philanthropy
[edit]Throughout 2020, Malaysia will experience slower adverse demand due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[19] Top Glove claimed that it would offer a total of 9,000 job opportunities for locals throughout 2021, to help address the rising unemployment rate in Malaysia. In a statement, Top Glove stated that it "hopes to achieve the target through a year-long recruitment campaign".[20]
In July 2020, Top Glove contributed three million gloves worth RM700,000 as well as medical equipment such as ventilators and medical suits worth RM300,000 to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). This initiative was facilitated by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf (TSMCG) Foundation which helped to disseminate these supplies to the hospitals and health departments identified by the MOH for the use of frontline professionals.[21]
In November 2020, the company donated a total of RM185 million to the government's COVID-19 fund set up to battle the pandemic.[22]
Controversies
[edit]Labour controversies
[edit]In December 2018, The Guardian reported that migrant workers were allegedly being subjected to forced labour, forced overtime, debt bondage, withheld wages and passport confiscation.[23] The company has denied these allegations and claimed that it has since improved its labour initiatives, which include the introduction of a zero cost recruitment policy.[24]
An investigation by Channel 4 News in June 2020 found that staff were living in cramped conditions, paid £1.08 an hour, forced to work overtime to meet the demand for gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and could not adequately practice social distancing despite the company claiming appropriate measures were taken.[25] Workers, many of whom were migrants, also claimed they paid up to $5,000 in recruitment fees to secure employment, leaving them in debt bondage.[26] Top Glove did not address any specific claims but called the investigation inaccurate.[27]
In July 2020, Top Glove engaged United Kingdom-based ethical trade consultancy Impactt Limited to assess the presence of forced labour by reference to the International Labor Organization’s 11 Forced Labour Indicators, propose corrective action plans to improve the Group’s labour practices, and monitor the Group’s implementation of the corrective action plans.[28]
In April 2021, Impactt verified that the company has eliminated all indicators of systemic forced labour in its direct operations. This includes repayment of recruitment fees totaling USD $36 million to current and eligible former workers via monthly payments which were concluded in April 2021.[29]
US CBP Withhold Release Order (WRO) and revision
[edit]On 15 July 2020, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) placed a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on imports of products made by subsidiaries of Top Glove for labour issues over debt bondage of its foreign workers and poor housing.[30][31] In response, Top Glove pledged to improve housing for their workers and remove the debt bondage of its workers in an effort to lift the ban.[32][33]
On 13 May 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection seized a shipment of 4.68 million Top Glove latex gloves in the Port of Kansas City, Missouri on the grounds that they had been manufactured using forced labour. This shipment was worth RM 2.8 million (US$690,000) and was bound for Kansas City.[34]
On 9 September 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it has uplifted and modified the forced labour findings on Top Glove Corporation Bhd, and that the CBP will permit the importation of disposable gloves made at Top Glove facilities in Malaysia to US effective immediately.[35] The CBP cited Top Glove as an example of a company that did take proactive steps to engage with it to remediate the WRO or Finding.[36]
COVID-19 pandemic
[edit]In mid-November 2020, several COVID-19 cases were detected in one of the Top Glove dormitories in Klang which has led to an enhanced movement control order being implemented in the surrounding area.[37] By 27 November 2020, more than 4,000 cases were linked to the Top Glove dormitory cluster.[38] On 30 November, the EMCO at Top Glove's dormitories across Malaysia was extended until 14 December.[39] The company were required to temporarily close a total of 28 factories in stages in the area.[40][41]
According to a Malay Mail report published on 13 December 2020, several South Asian migrant workers had told the Agence France-Press about "appalling" living conditions including cramped dormitories housing 25 people. These overcrowded conditions had contributed to the spread of COVID-19 within 28 of Top Glove's 41 factories. In response to criticism and publicity, Top Glove announced plans to purchase more workers' accommodation and to build "mega-hostels" equipped with modern amenities that can house 7,300 people.[16] The same day, it was reported that Top Glove had fired a whistleblowing Nepalese migrant worker named Yubaraj Khadka for sharing photos of overcrowded working conditions, which were later picked up by Reuters.[42]
In a radio interview with BFM89.9 on 23 December 2020, Top Glove’s Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Kim Meow said the company had established 3 helplines for aggrieved workers, one internal and two staffed by personnel from a consultant firm and an audit firm.[43] Top Glove announced that it would no longer penalise whistleblowers and would establish three helplines for workers’ complaints.[44]
In April 2021, during a media walkabout of Top Glove’s workers’ accommodations in Klang and Setia Taipan, the company announced it would be investing up to a total of RM300 million to provide conducive workers' accommodation that comply to the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).[45] Glove manufacturer Top Glove Corp Bhd is working with Independent workers rights specialist, Andy Hall, as it takes measures to improve working and living conditions at its factories.[46]
References
[edit]- ^ "Top Glove Products - Overview". Top Glove. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Our Locations". Top Glove. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "#1613 Lim Wee Chai". Forbes. Archived from the original on 13 May 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "About Us". Top Glove Malaysia. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Announcement details". Bursa Malaysia. 8 August 2001. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "TOPGLOV - Transfer from the Second Board to the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange". Bursa Malaysia. 13 May 2002. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Other Corporate Information". Top Glove. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Chun Wai, Wai (26 July 2020). "Billionaire behind Top Glove is going places no Malaysian tycoons have". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Top Glove, Riverstone & UG Healthcare Report Quarterly Earnings". SGX. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Top Glove to kick off condom business next year". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ "Investor Relations". Top Glove. 8 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Quarterly rpt on consolidated results for the financial period ended 28 Feb 2022". Bursa Malaysia. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
- ^ "Top Glove now third largest stock on Bursa Malaysia". Malay Mail. 13 July 2020. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Not all gloom and doom for Top Glove". The Star. 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ Regencia, Ted; Stepansky, Joseph (10 April 2020). "Coronavirus deaths rise but signs of progress seen: Live updates". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ a b "'Profits over people': Covid-19 overruns Top Glove factories as workers speak of appalling accommodations". Malay Mail. 13 December 2020. Archived from the original on 13 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
- ^ "Sultan of Selangor launches Top Glove's new 23-storey building in Shah Alam". The Star. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
- ^ Tan, Siew Mung (4 June 2021). "Top Glove's annual glove production capacity hits 100 billion pieces". The Edge Markets. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
- ^ Tan, Royce (13 January 2021). "Risk of rising unemployment remains high with MCO 2.0". The Star (Malaysia).
- ^ Bala Krishnan, Dhesegaan (22 January 2021). "Booming Top Glove to offer 9,000 jobs to Malaysians this year". New Straits Times.
- ^ Bernama. "Tropicana, Top Glove contribute RM2.5mil of medical equipment to Health Ministry". New Straits Time.
- ^ "Kossan, Top Glove, Hartalega and Supermax confirm donations to Govt's RM400 mil COVID-19 fund". The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (9 December 2018). "NHS rubber gloves made in Malaysian factories linked with forced labour". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ Chua, Gigi (14 December 2018). "Top Glove denies forced labour allegations". The Edge. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus hits Malaysian rubber glove giant". Catholic News in Asia | LiCAS.news | Licas News. 14 December 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Channel 4 News Investigations Team (16 June 2020). "Revealed: Shocking conditions in PPE factories supplying UK". Channel 4. Archived from the original on 19 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ FMT Reporters (18 June 2020). "FMT: Top Glove denies worker exploitation claims in British TV Report". FMT. Archived from the original on 19 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ Updated Impactt statement on Top Glove Status (Report). Impactt Limited. 2021.
- ^ Top Glove Combined CAP Summary & Q3 Remediation payment verification findings (Report). Impactt Limited. 2021.
- ^ "Withhold Release Orders and Findings". U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Archived from the original on 16 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "Amid virus crisis, U.S. bars imports of Malaysia's Top Glove over labour issues". Reuters. 16 July 2020. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "Racing to reverse US ban, Top Glove improves workers' housing". The Edge Markets. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Top Glove still resolving US ban, remediation fee now at RM53m". The Edge Markets. 10 August 2020. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Chin, Emmanuel (13 May 2021). "Another Top Glove shipment seized by US authorities, this time worth RM2.8m". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ "CBP Modifies Forced Labor Finding on Top Glove Corporation Bhd". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ^ "Work with us, CBP tells Malaysian companies". The Edge Markets. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
- ^ "Top Glove dormitories in Klang under EMCO from Nov 17 to 30, says Ismail Sabri". The Edge Markets. 16 November 2020. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- ^ Thomas, Jason (27 November 2020). "Top Glove says 'in the process' of closing Meru factories". Free Malaysia Today. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ Bedi, Rashvinjeet (30 November 2020). "EMCO at Top Glove dormitories in Klang extended another 14 days (updated)". The Star. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ Adilla, Farah (25 November 2020). "Top Glove tumbles on plant closure, move may push glove prices higher | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
- ^ Beech, Hannah (20 December 2020). "Top Glove's workers in Malaysia suffer from a large outbreak of Covid-19". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
- ^ "Top Glove fired whistleblower before Covid-19 outbreak". Malay Mail. 13 December 2020. Archived from the original on 13 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
- ^ Kanesan & Wong, Roshan & Shou Ning (23 December 2020). "A WIN FOR THE COMPANY BUT LESS SO FOR THE WORKERS". BFM 89.9. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
- ^ "Top Glove says will no longer fire whistleblowers, opens helplines for workers". The Star. 23 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ Chan, Dawn (16 April 2021). "Top Glove to invest RM300 million for conducive workers' accommodation". New Straits Times. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ TIMBUONG, JO (8 April 2021). "Top Glove works with critic to improve working conditions". The Star (Malaysia). Retrieved 3 March 2022.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)