KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has launched its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025–2030, setting a national framework to integrate human rights into corporate governance.
The Malaysian government, led by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has launched a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP). This plan, developed with Cabinet approval since 2019, is a phased implementation that signifies Malaysia's commitment to the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs). Future reforms under this initiative could include a Corporate Manslaughter Act and anti-SLAPP legislation.
The NAP is structured around three central pillars: labour, environment, and governance. It is designed to address critical issues such as forced labour, unsafe work conditions, and environmental accountability. The government emphasises that the plan's success relies on a collaborative effort, moving beyond government action to include shared ownership with various stakeholders.
Minister Azalina stressed that businesses have a crucial role to play and must measure success not just by profits, but also by ethical conduct, sustainability, and respect for human rights. The announcement was made at a historic time as Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of Asean, underscoring the nation's commitment to aligning its economy with international human rights standards.
