New Programme to Combat Child Labour in Tawau's Oil Palm Plantations

Child labour is prevalent in Sabah’s oil palm plantations, with many children working to help their parents, jeopardizing their safety, health, education, and development.

On the World Day Against Child Labour, the European Union (EU), International Labour Organization (ILO), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced an 18-month initiative aimed at promoting socio-economic inclusion and protecting children's rights in Tawau's oil palm plantations. The programme seeks to improve access to education and training, addressing the root causes of child labour in the region.

Child labour is prevalent in Sabah's oil palm plantations, with many children working to help their parents, jeopardizing their safety, health, education, and development. A 2018 Employment Survey by the Malaysian government estimated that 33,600 children aged 5-17 work in the oil palm industry, with Sabah accounting for 58.8% (about 19,800 children) of this total.

"Eradicating child labour is a top priority for the EU," said Dr. Audrey-Anne Rochelemagne, Cooperation Team Leader at the EU Delegation. "Strong, local partnerships are essential to understand, address, and prevent child labour. This is why we have joined forces with ILO, UNICEF, and local actors to implement this programme. The EU and its Member States are committed to sustainable initiatives where no one is left behind."

Children work on plantations due to their families' financial struggles, low wages, and pressure to increase palm fruit production. Limited access to formal education and child protection services exacerbates the situation.

"Every child has a right to a childhood and the full range of rights guaranteed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child," said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia. "Change is possible if all sectors work together to prevent and address the root causes of child labour. Partnerships with local stakeholders are urgent for children in Sabah."

Children of plantation workers face barriers to alternative employment, such as lack of documentation, discrimination, isolation, and limited education access. Young persons aged 16 and above often remain in high-risk, low-paid plantation work without training and skill enhancement, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

"ILO appreciates the collaboration with the Malaysian government and key stakeholders in addressing child labour. We welcome this new initiative and the continuation of our joint efforts," said Panudda Boonpala, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

The project will support children, young people, and their families, both documented and undocumented, living and working in and around oil palm plantations in Tawau, Sabah. Running until June 2025, the project aims to:

Improve data collection on children working in and around oil palm plantations

Raise awareness of child rights issues among key stakeholders

Develop and accelerate solutions to address the root causes of child labour

Produce replicable education and training models

Formulate a joint roadmap between the Malaysian government and the United Nations to eradicate child labour and related child rights issues in Sabah

"Child labour is a severe human rights abuse and a form of labour exploitation. It prevents children from accessing education needed for a better future and hinders older children from acquiring skills that could enhance their employability," added Boonpala.