In October, the US barred imports from Supermax over alleged forced labour practices at the company.

In a statement today, the manufacturer said facilities in staff dormitories had been completed in accordance with local and international standards. This includes improved canteen and dining areas with designated smoking sections, ATM facilities and other amenities.

The company has also established a sinking fund to facilitate remediation payment to entitled former foreign workers under the expanded scope.

The sinking fund is supervised by a consulting firm, a Malaysian-based NGO on human rights, and specialists on social justice and migrant workers.

Supermax said the first batch of payouts to former foreign workers had been completed.

The company’s first workers’ committee was elected by the workers themselves and would act as a bridge between the workers and the management.

An independent multilingual grievance channel has also been set up by Responsible Business Alliance, a non-profit coalition, which allows the workers to voice their concerns directly.

Supermax will also ensure full compliance with current regulations regarding leave management, payroll computation and pay slips issuance for both directly and indirectly recruited workers.

It said it will be working towards an “open door policy” in the coming months, including open invitations to embassy representatives to visit their sites and meet the workers.

“Supermax is continuously making efforts to elevate its human resources practices to be aligned with International Labour Organization standards and the expectations of international regulatory bodies, such as US Customs and Border Protection,” the statement added.