Malaysia has been accused of forced labour in manufacturing and palm oil production by the US, resulting in a trade embargo.
Bangladesh, a major source of migrants for Malaysia, has called for greater transparency from Kuala Lumpur to protect its citizens from job exploitation. Bangladesh’s High Commission in Malaysia has stated that “if the Malaysian government’s approval process for hiring foreign workers is transparent, not a single worker should be unemployed.”
The Nepal embassy is receiving complaints from other stranded citizens as well. The embassy is working to aid 125 citizens stranded without employment.