Child Rights Action Hub Malaysia: Recent Activities and Progress

The Child Rights Action Hub Malaysia continues to bring together stakeholders across Sabah's palm oil sector to strengthen child rights and support practical action where risks are highest. Over the past few months, the Action Hub has reached several important milestones as it moves into its next phase of implementation.

In February, we convened a Stakeholder Dialogue with civil society organisations, trade unions, migrant worker organisations and other community-based groups to discuss child rights challenges affecting children in and around palm oil communities. Participants highlighted the importance of stronger coordination, local ownership and practical collaboration to better support children and families.

 Photo: The Stakeholder Dialogue in Tawau in February 2026

This was followed by a Private Sector Stakeholder Meeting in April, bringing together palm oil producers and industry bodies. Discussions focused on challenges faced by suppliers, particularly in lower-tier and informal settings, and explored practical ways to strengthen child rights due diligence, improve visibility of risks and support responsible business practices across supply chains.

 Photo: Private Sector Stakeholder Meeting in April

In May, the Action Hub hosted a virtual validation workshop to gather feedback on a new set of practical tools designed for plantations and smallholders in Sabah. The tools cover topics such as child rights, young worker protection, responsible recruitment and practical steps for identifying and responding to risks affecting children. Participants from industry associations, NGOs, certification bodies and plantation companies provided valuable feedback to help ensure the materials are relevant, easy to use and grounded in local realities.

The revised tools will be rolled out through future training and supplier engagement activities.

Another important development is the establishment of an Advisory Committee for the Child Rights Action Hub Malaysia. The committee will bring together representatives from civil society, the private sector, technical experts and other key stakeholders to provide strategic guidance and help ensure the Action Hub remains locally relevant, child-centred and responsive to Sabah's context.

This is an important step towards the Action Hub's long-term vision of becoming a locally rooted and sustainable platform that continues to create impact over time.

While stakeholder engagement and systems strengthening remain important, the Action Hub's work ultimately focuses on improving outcomes for children. During a recent visit to Sabah, our CEO joined a follow-up home visit with a child currently receiving support through the Action Hub's remediation programme. The visit provided an opportunity to hear directly from the child and family about their experiences and progress.

Regular site visits and case follow-up activities continue across Sabah, helping ensure that children and families receive ongoing support while informing broader efforts to strengthen prevention and response systems. At present, 28 children are enrolled in the remediation programme, and several new child rights focal points are in the process of being onboarded.

Photo: The Centre’s CEO during a home visit to a family in the remediation programme