Despite Foreign Firm Exits, Malaysia’s Labor Issues Will Persist

British home appliance maker Dyson’s decision to cut ties with a Malaysian partner over labor issues does not indicate a larger trend for Kuala Lumpur’s business environment so long as Western pressure remains at a tolerable level. On Nov. 25, Dyson terminated its contract with ATA IMS, a Malaysian manufacturer following a labor audit and complaints regarding working hours, conditions and pay from foreign employees. Foreign workers file the majority of labor complaints in Malaysia, exposing palm oil producers and low-skilled manufacturing to a higher risk of disruptions. ...