Community-based approach to tackle child labour in Sabah plantations
KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to protect children in Sabah's oil palm plantations from exploitation and to ensure they receive the education they deserve are showing promising results, yet much more remains to be done.
In conjunction with World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and European Union (EU) have renewed their call for sustained and coordinated efforts to end child labour in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, where nearly 20,000 children were working in plantations according to the last national survey in 2018.
'Child labour robs children of their right to safety, education, and a better future. On this day, we are reminded that collective action is key to ensuring no child is left behind,' said EU Delegation to Thailand's head of cooperation, Tom Corrie.
He added that child labour is deeply rooted in poverty, limited access to education, and entrenched social norms.
In a joint statement on Friday (June 13), the ILO and Unicef, with support from the EU, stressed their commitment to tackling the issue through community-based solutions that prioritise education, family well-being, and meaningful opportunities for youth.
ALSO READ: Unicef, ILO and EU launch joint programme to address child labour in Sabah
A dialogue titled "Generasi Sang Pemimpi: Sama-sama menentang buruh kanak-kanak" (Generation of Dreamers: United against child labour) was held in Tawau on Thursday to explore ways of empowering young people to combat child labour and expand access to education.
The event highlighted that over 150 children and youth in the area have benefitted from vocational and life skills training designed to provide alternative pathways beyond plantation work.
In addition, more than 220 smallholders have taken part in awareness sessions focused on child rights, the importance of education, and the long-term harm caused by child labour.
Another initiative, the Tuai Cerita Fellowship, is empowering 15 local content creators to advocate for children's rights through storytelling.
These efforts are supported by local partners, including Project Liber8, Anak, and Global Shepherds.
To guide long-term action, a comprehensive study led by the Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI) is underway to identify barriers children face in accessing essential services, particularly education.
The findings will inform a strategic roadmap for collaboration among government, industry and civil society.
'These actions show that Malaysia is committed to ending child labour. But we must continue pushing forward.
"The private sector and workers' organisations have a crucial role to play in ensuring their supply chains are free from child labour," said ILO deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific, Tuomo Poutiainen.
This year also marks three decades since Malaysia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a timely reminder of the nation's pledge to protect every child's right to education, safety, and a childhood free from exploitation.
Looking ahead, the ILO and Unicef are calling for increased investment in social protection systems, greater access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved communities, and the promotion of decent work for adults and youth.
'Child labour is not just a legal or policy issue … it is a human issue. It denies children their right to simply be children. We must build a world where every child is heard, protected, and given the full opportunity to reach their potential,' said Unicef representative in Malaysia, Robert Gass.
As the world marks the Day Against Child Labour, the message from Sabah is clear: no child should have to choose between survival and school.
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